Mary Taylor Coles-Wilder

Mary Taylor Coles-Wilder, age 84, died at the Brookdale Broadmoor senior living facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Monday, June 23, 2025. Mary was born on April 2, 1941.

Mary graduated from Charlton-Pollard High School in Beaumont, Texas, in 1961. While in school, she joined the National Heritage Academies (NHA), the Drill Team, and the Courtesy Club. She was known as one of the most popular seniors in her graduating class. Mary was a lifelong learner throughout her life. She read many books and, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, obtained a certificate of Biblical Studies from the Archdiocese of Denver. She was passionate about the Bible and read and studied it, leading bible studies in her home and participating in church activities. Mary was a deacon at The Bridge Church at Bear Creek for years. She loved attending with her late husband Raymond Coles, who was known as the premier welcomer.

Mary worked for Home Interiors Corporation in the 1980s and loved to decorate her home with beautiful pictures and with her favorite verses from scripture. She kept a tidy home, where everything had its place. In the Wilder household, Mary would assign chores, after all, she had a small workforce. We learned early how to clean up after ourselves and how to fold and put away our clothes. She also worked in her garden. She could be seen digging dirt and planting flowers every spring and summer. The backyard garden was an oasis, filled with fruit trees, apples, cherries, peaches, vegetables, tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, and corn. She loved the song, “In the Garden,” and she was inspired by the time she spent there.

Mary gave her life to serving the elderly and the dying. In the early 2000s, Mary worked for The Heritage Club, later known as Brookdale Senior Living in Lakewood, Colorado. Once, she stayed with one of her residents, praying and singing with her as she gave her last breath. She was a natural at the job and was soon promoted to Lead Associate, where she trained and managed other new associates on how to be compassionate and loving to all the community members under their care.

Mary survived her husbands, Bernard W. Wilder and Raymond Coles. She is survived by her children, Reginald, Gregory, Keitha, Keith, David, John, James, 12 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many siblings. Mary survived her brother, Howard, and is survived by Oscar, Carlton, Theresa, Irene, LC, Jeanette, Andrew, Ora, and Joseph. Mary is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be a viewing held from 4-8 pm on Wednesday, July 9th, at Horan and McConaty Funeral Home. 3101S. Wadsworth Boulevard in Lakewood, Colorado.

Funeral Services will take place at 10 am on Thursday, July 10th, at the Bridge Church at Bear Creek. 3101 S. Kipling Street, Lakewood, Colorado. Following the services, there will be a reception in the church's living room.

Burial services will be private for immediate family members at Fort Logan Cemetery on July 17th, 2025.

Flowers can be sent to Horan and McConaty Funeral Home, 3101 S. Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado 80227.

Please share memories and condolences with Mary's family by signing the guestbook.