My Mom died. Here is what we (the siblings, including spouses) wrote as an obituary:
MARIE E. CAREW September 8, 1931 --- February 20, 2021
Marie Ellen McMahon Carew died Saturday, February 20, 2021, near midnight, from complications of Alzheimer's disease.
Marie was born September 8, 1931 to Nellie and James McMahon in Inkster, ND, both of whom preceded her in death. Marie was orphaned at age 19, shortly after the birth of her first child in 1951.
Marie was also preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Donald L. Carew, and survived by her eight children, 17 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Marie was a homemaker first and foremost, and lived for and through her children. Marie was an excellent cook, making it to the regional quarterfinals in the Pillsbury Bake Off as a young bride. She was most happy in the kitchen, whether it was canning vegetables grown in her garden, preparing the family's weekly baked goods, or cooking a favorite meal for someone's birthday.
Marie was truly a talented seamstress. She purchased a neighbor's converted pedal Singer sewing machine as a new mother, taught herself, and produced many baptismal gowns, First Communion dresses, countless costumes, lots of school clothes, draperies, and even a wedding dress for her daughter-in-law. When asked about her accomplishments, she would begin telling the honors and achievements of her kids. She would often neglect to mention all her own accomplishments in PTA functions, years as a Boy Scout mom, room-mother, bake sale supporter, cookie seller, and the thousands of hours as her children's and grandchildren's greatest cheerleader while seated in the bleachers watching an array of sporting events or in auditoriums for ballets, plays, choirs, and band performances. Aside from her domestic talents, her husband let it be known that she was an excellent rifle shot, often sharing the tale of how she brought down a running deer when his hunting partner had missed his shot.
Marie worked outside the home full time for the IRS in Kansas City, MO 1968-1970; and for a number of banks in Colorado Springs into the late 1990's. She dedicated many hours in service to area organizations serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Marie served on the Board of Directors for the Pikes Peak Region ARC, 1988 to 1994 and also served as a Director on the Cheyenne Village Board, 1994 to 2000. She was an active parishioner at Holy Trinity Catholic Church for over 30 years, volunteering time for many parish programs and events.
Survivors include her sons: David (Susan), Colorado Springs, CO; Thomas (Julie), Leawood, KS; Michael (Susan), Thornton, CO; John, Colorado Springs, CO; Patrick (Julye), Dallas, TX; and her daughters Mary (Les), Denver, CO; Marie (Tim), Colorado Springs, CO; and Barbara, Colorado Springs, CO. Grandchildren are: Abigail (Brandon); Katelyn (Jonathan); Ladye; Tedd; Adam; Jacob; Sarah (Trevor); Matthew (Katie); Sara (Nicholas); Aaron; Alynn; Max; Nicholas; Anna; Owen; Mitchell, and Connor; and great grandchildren Braydon, Alaina, and Coraline.
From her birth in small town Inkster, ND, to Ohio, back to Jamestown, ND, thence to South Dakota, Bar-le-Duc France, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and eventually Colorado, Marie lived a full life while remaining dedicated to the success of her husband and children, all the while filled with love and grace.
A rosary followed by a funeral mass will be held at St. Paul's Catholic Church Monday, March 1st at 10:15 am. Due to COVID restrictions a memorial service to celebrate Marie's love and life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to favorite charity Cheyenne Village, 6275 Lehman Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918.