Mary Shry

Mary K. Shry went to be with her Savior and the love of her life on November 27, 2021 with lights and sirens blaring. We knew dad wouldn’t last long in heaven by himself, but we were hoping for more than 3 weeks.

Mary was born to Lloyd F. Martin and Verna E. Martin on November 22, 1936 in Denver, Colorado. She was the oldest of eight. She had five sisters, Jo, Peggy, Judy, Rita, Patty, and two brothers, David and Mike. She was raised in Sterling, Colorado, where attended and graduated from St. Anthony’s Catholic School. Mary went to nursing school in Denver, Colorado where she met her husband Frank Shry. Mary and Frank were married for 63+ years before his passing on November 5, 2021.

Mary and Frank were blessed with six wonderful, but somewhat ornery children: Mark, Jim, Dan, Mary, Chris and Fritz. They raised their family in the Crestview neighborhood and were very involved with their church, St. Columba and their community. Mary was often seen on her knees in her flower gardens, she always said it brought her peace.

Mary was a nurse at Mercy Hospital, here in Durango, for many years. She also taught the Licensed Practical Nurse’s program for a number of years. She was proud of her profession and was happy to share it with the young coming into the profession. Above all else, Mary was the epitome of LOVED: She loved her houseful of younger siblings, later her husband and her own house filled with her children, her friends, her friend’s children, the neighbors, the neighbor’s children, her church, her church's children….and she was loved by all in return. Our Mother LOVED.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, both brothers and two of her sisters as well as the love of her life Frank Shry, three weeks before. She is survived by her children Mark (Cathy), Burtonsville, MD, Jim (Karen), Cortez, CO, Dan (Wyn), Durango, CO, Mary (Sam), Mancos, CO, Chris, Durango, CO and Fritz (Michele), Durango, CO. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Don’t worry mom…..we are on the way!!! Until then, we’ll continue to make and devour your “forbidden dessert” and remind everyone how awesome you are!!!

Donations in Mary’s memory can be made to Mercy Hospice, Catholic Daughters of the Americas or St Columba’s School.

Condolences can be sent to: Mary F. Shry, 530 Glenn Ct, Mancos, CO 81328 or Chris Shry, 215 4th Ave., Durango, CO 81301.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Columba Catholic Church on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Following Mass, both Frank and Mary will be interred at Greenmount Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the VFW Post# 4031.