Mary Ann (Stretz) Gains

Mary Ann (Stretz) Gains, of Centennial and Denver, Colorado, was born in 1928 and entered into eternal life in October 2026.

Preceded in death by her husband Bill, parents, brother, and granddaughter Mariah.

She is lovingly remembered by her children Cathy, Sheila, Norbert, and John, grandchildren, Audrey, Cora, Tsering, Shawn, Alexandria, and Gavin, and great-grandchild Tenzin.

Mary Ann was a graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School, Seaton School of Nursing, and Loretta Heights College. She spent her life and career caring for others as a nurse and educator. She was well known for her work in various Denver Public Schools health clinics, attending to the health needs of students, their families, and staff.

Her greatest pride and joy was raising her children alongside her husband and best friend, Bill. Mary Ann loved to travel (in the U.S. and abroad), cook, and garden. When she was 13, she even won a World War II victory garden contest. She mastered sewing, making clothes for the whole family, drapes for their house, and reupholstering many pieces of furniture. After retirement, she took up quilting and many other crafts. She made countless receiving blankets for new parents and drawstring bags for nursing home residents. She and Bill loved to shop for Southwestern jewelry and arts, while enjoying the cuisine of New Mexico. They also enjoyed bargain hunting at garage sales, flea markets, and thrift stores in whatever city they were in.

She practiced daily prayer and believed in the power of the Saints and Angels. She delighted in practicing random acts of kindness.

Mary Ann loved to celebrate life, so come help us celebrate hers. At her request, wear bright colors and/or tie-dye if you have it. Also, consider bringing shelf-stable foods or personal hygiene products to donate to the church’s food pantry. Donations can make a tremendous difference for a family facing difficult times.

Her services will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2026 with a Rosary at 10:15 am, Funeral Mass at 11:00 am, and reception at 12:00pm, all at Pax Christi Catholic Church, 10675 Jaguar Drive, Lone Tree, CO 80124, 303-799-1036.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of her favorite charities or a charity of your choice:

Food Bank of the Rockies

10700 E. 45th Ave., Denver, CO 80239

303-371-9250

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105