Mary Ann LaPedus

Mary Ann LaPedus

Mary Ann Lapedus, 89, left a life well-lived in the company of loved ones on June 6,2024 at MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care in Wheat Ridge, CO. She was 89.

Mary was born on June 30, 1934, to Oliver and Minnie (Lorenz) Wienecke in Denver, Colorado. She attended catholic schools, graduating from St. Francis de Sales’ High School.

She was married to John Mensik from 1954 to 1972. John was in the Air Force and for several years in the mid 1950’s he was stationed in Germany and joined by Mary. When not on duty, John and Mary Ann traveled throughout western Europe, a time which she enjoyed and spoke of often. Together, they had three children, Mark in 1961, Vicki in 1963, and Carla in 1967. They lived mostly in the Denver area but spent a couple of years in the mid 1960’s in southern California.

Mary worked in various jobs but found her niche as a Human Resources Manager for Target stores. Her warm personality combined with her ability to get things done and be tough when she needed to be, was a winning combination as an HR manager. She worked for 25+ years at Target, retiring in 2003.

Traveling was her passion, and she went on numerous adventures with her beloved sister, her daughter, granddaughters, her best friend, or on her own, cruising the high seas to Australia/New Zealand, Russia, Panama Canal and South America, France, Germany, Hawaii, Canada and her favorite destination, Alaska. She enjoyed whitewater rafting and camping with her son, a family trip to Yellowstone, and hot air ballooning. Her superpower was making lifelong friends wherever she went.

Mary volunteered for many organizations throughout the years. They included the soup kitchen, Meals on Wheels, Arvada Reservoir, 9News Health Fair, and The Action Center. She always tried to do something special whenever she volunteered. While volunteering at the Arvada Reservoir she would make lap blankets for disabled veterans so they could stay warm while they fished on the windy and chilly days on the banks of the reservoir.

She always stayed busy and enjoyed numerous hobbies. She painted beautiful China plates, cups, jewelry, and other decorative items, made gorgeous quilts, and loved gardening at her home in Arvada.

Mary’s favorite thing to do, however, was spend time with family and friends. Whether it was New Year’s Eve sleepovers with grandchildren, planning Christmas Eve dinners, a summer cookout, making Chex mix for the holidays, or making gallons of soup, family and friends were of utmost importance to Mary.

Mary is survived by her children Mark Mensik (Kay Bathke) and Carla Drew (Matt Waygood); five grandchildren, Austyn Shirley, Tom Mensik (Brittney Pfiffner), Lindy Lieg (Mike), Larissa Skaar (Chris), Connor Drew, and Kylie Gibbs (Trevor Myall); great grandchildren James Lieg, Nora Skaar, Bianca Mensik, and Waylon Skaar; sister Gerry (James, deceased) Phenix, and brother, Don (Barbara, deceased) Wienecke; numerous nieces and nephews to whom she was known as Aunt Nut; and her beloved neighbor and best friend Carmen Terry and her son Chris.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Vicki Reedy, and grandson, Anthony Shirley.

Mom/Grammy Ann/Ammie/Mary/Mary Ann/Aunt Nut will be remembered as someone who lit up every room she entered and always made friends wherever she went. She is well-loved, will be missed terribly, and is unforgettable.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of Mary LaPedus to the Alzheimer's Association of Colorado at https://www.alz.org/co/donate.