Marie Lena (Hornyik) Pickerill
April 24, 1970 ~ March 21, 2022
Born in:
Blacksburg, VA
Resided in:
Pueblo West, CO
Marie Lena (Hornyik) Pickerill, 51, of Pueblo West, Colo., passed away suddenly on March 21, 2022, while on a trip with girlfriends in Pagosa Springs, Colo. Marie was born on April 24, 1970, in Blacksburg, Va. to Karl and Irene Hornyik and grew up in Corvallis, Ore.
Marie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Tulane University and ultimately earned a Ph.D. in Athletic Training from Oregon State University. She met John while working at Purdue University and they married in 2004. They had their two children, Jonas and Maddie and raised them in Crawfordsville, Ind. until moving the family to Pueblo West, Colo. in 2017 so that she could pursue a position teaching Athletic Training at Colorado State University-Pueblo.
Marie loved skiing, camping, hiking, her cats, and decorating the house at Christmas. She and John really enjoyed gardening together and preserving their harvests to share with family and friends, especially spaghetti sauce. She was an amazingly outgoing, intelligent person who could strike up a conversation with a total stranger and make friends in minutes. Marie was active at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing at Mass.
She is survived by her husband, John Pickerill; their children, Jonas (15), Maddie (12) and step-son, Jack (age 26 of Harrisonburg, Va.); mother, Irene of Corvallis, Ore.; sister, Galena (Chris) of Sandy, Utah; brother, Karl (Neysa) and their girls Beyza (15) and Lydia (16) of Seattle, Wash.; Uncle Chester and Aunt Daiva; and cousin, Ingrid of Chicago, Ill. She is preceded in death by her father, Karl; and cousin, Andrea.
There will be a Rosary 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 26, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 1132 W. Oro Grande Dr., Pueblo West, followed immediately by a funeral Mass, with a private interment to follow in Chicago. A reception will follow the Mass at the church. Arrangements are being made by Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors with online condolences available at www.MontgomerySteward.com. Donations may be made in honor of Marie to the Heart Health Foundation (hearthealthfoundation.org).
Services
Rosary: March 26, 2022 9:30 am
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church
1132 W. Oro Grande Drive
Pueblo West, CO 81007
719-647-1500
Funeral Mass: March 26, 2022 10:00 am
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church
1132 W. Oro Grande Drive
Pueblo West, CO 81007
719-647-1500
John I was truly saddened to hear of Maries passing. I we being praying for you and your family at this most difficult time.
Karen Zachary
I enjoyed our many conversations that we had between classes at the University, what a sweet lady. Taken from us far too soon. She made a big impact on many students and faculty at the University. My heart goes out to the family.
Bob Tim
John and Family,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Maria.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I was a graduate student of Marie’s. I’m so sorry for your loss and may you find strength through the celebration of her life.
Marie was a colleague, Senator and friend. I could always count on her dedication, passion and spirit. I will miss her but I know her family will have a bigger void. My prayers will be with them always.
So sorry for your loss. Praying for your family during this very difficult time.
John,
We have a lighted candle that be constant reminder of the wonderful conversations that we had at your house.
May she rest in the arms of of our Lord.
The McDowells
I offer you our sincerest condolences on behalf of myself, the Provost Office, and the faculty and staff at CSU Pueblo. Marie was a dear colleague and an outstanding faculty member. She was always energetic, thoughtful, and inquisitive. She will be missed by all of us at CSU Pueblo.
Mohamed Abdelrahman
John, my heart aches for you over the passing of Marie. We will be praying for you and your family.
John, Jonas, Maddie,
Marie was a sweet person, sorry for your loss.
With love and prayers,
Kipp and Susan Pickerill
Maddie and family-
We are so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Mom. She will always love you and be with you in your heart.
Remembering our times at the lake. So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you John and children.
Darin, Paula and Jacob Hutson
I’m so sorry for your loss. Marie was a very sweet person, and I enjoyed working with her. Praying for your family during this hard time.