Mary Alice Trechter
May 2, 1922 ~ October 22, 2009
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Mary Alice Trechter, 87, passed away Oct. 22, 2009. Survived by her children, Charles D. (Susan Middleton) Trechter, David D. (Kristen Allen) Trechter and Thomas G. (Amee) Trechter; and grandchildren, Cynthia Robertson, Reed, Ryan, Colin, Jeffrey, Christopher, Nicholas and Quinn Trechter. Preceded in death by her husband, Eugene C. Trechter; parents, Dyer and Gertrude Elizabeth Elkins; sister, Jewell Brown; and nephew, Henry Brown. Mary was born May 2, 1922, in Hotchkiss, Colo. She had a lifelong commitment to education which began as a teacher in Glenwood Springs, Colo., in 1944, and continued for over 60 years. In addition to Glenwood Springs, she taught in Rocky Ford, Colo., Alturas, Calif. and Chico, Calif. Mary also enjoyed spending time with her family and one-on-one vacations with her grandchildren in Hawaii. She enjoyed classical music and attended the Bach Festival in Carmel, Calif. with her sister annually.
There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Memorial service, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel with the Reverend Dr. Brad Munroe officiating. The family respectfully requests the omission of food and flowers. Memorials may be made to Mary Trechter Scholarship at Chico State University, through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, Colo. 81003. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
I just learned of Mary’s passing. The world has lost a Grand Dame. I worked with Mary during her tenure with Paradise Unified School District. Mary touched so many lives. She was always quick to give encouragement and positive reinforcement. Several of us were able to keep in touch with her for many years after she left Paradise and was bopping between Chico and Hawaii. She was having such a grand time. We will always treasure her friendship and our sweet memories of a lovely lady. My prayers & deepest sympathies are with her family.
I was saddened to learn of Mary’s passing. What a wonderful person she was. I so enjoyed working with her for the few short years she was in Paradise. She was a caring lady who made a difference in education and in the lives of those who knew he…she did in mine. I’ll remember her fondly and think of her often. My sincere sympathy to her family. I know she must have been as special a mom and grandma as she was a friend. Aloha, Mary.
Thank you Miss Mary. Your smile, mentoring, no nonsense encouragement and conversation is greatly missed. I love you~
There are so many wonderful things that can be said about Mary. I worked for her for three years, but we were friends for years after that. She was an amazing lady. Her dedication to education was phenomenal — it was her passion. And she was very generous with her wisdom of life – an amazing mentor. I will miss her dearly, and my thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Mary was an incredible lady. I was her hygienist for many years and always looked forward to our “catch-up” visits. Her positive outlook on life was inspirational to so many.She won’t be forgotten.Condolences to her family
I met Mary when my mother worked with her at the Durham School District. I was always impressed with her spirit and kindness. She always took the time to ask me about what was going on in my world, even though I was just a kid and most adults would not take the time. I am in my thirties now and still hold her as one of the people I have met in my life that made a difference to me and I will never forget her.
We remember our many activities with Mary and will treasure them. Her interests in education were valuable.
Dear CD, David, Tommy and families,
-Part III…
We remember playing, “The Ice Hockey game” with you, regularly after school and on weekends in the winter, at our house and at your house.
That was a Christmas present to you from your parents. That was so much fun and we really had a good time, even in the winters.
We have so many memories, in our neighborhood, with you, baseball games, marbles, tether ball and bike riding, running and etc.
We remember, watching, The Sheriff Jim TV Show,and Wild Bill Hitchcock, regularly, at your house, in the afternoons, after school.
Your mother was a very special lady, mother and grandmother, taking each grandchild individually, to Hawaii, for their one on one special time.
God has blessed each one of you with precious memories, and records for generations to follow.
You live in our book of memories.
PRAYERS AND LOVE,
Dear CD, David, Tommy and families,
–PART II…..
All three of you children, were very well behaved. Your family was very organized and followed a good routine schedule.
I do remember watching the clock, when i was babysitting, and I don’t remember why, now.
How well, we remember your mother’s whistle. That whistle served many purposes: PE classes, GAA, and the family whistle, to call everyone home.
That was a great idea and a good whistle. I remember one of our neighbors, that would scream for her children to come home,
CD, one of my most fond memories is playing “Rook” with you, on our front porch, in the summer afternoons. I have not played “Rook, with anyone since, whatever year we quit playing. Elizabeth played with us,and sometimes, Steven Pugh. My brother, James worked for Uncle Paul McCammon during the weekends and summer days. You and I always seemed to win. Rook is a quality game for math skills.
Dear CD, David, Tommy and families,
Please know, you are in our thoughts and prayers as we reminiscence, precious memories of your mother, and your family.
Donna Hamm McGeeney, of PW emailed your mother’s OB to our network of “61 girl classmates.
Many recent emails express your parents’ influence on several high school students, for their careers and lives.
You, (each one of you) are the Blueprint, first draft, proof and the final product of great parenting skills.
I was your 14th Street, James’ big sister neighbor, Mary. It has been many years almost fifty since I have seen any one of you.
Your neighbors, Kay, Jim and Jerry Stroud, Kathy and Jim Reed, Marlene Strakbein, Cathy Wells, Ellen Doxtator, were privledged to have babysit for you on a regular schedule or for one special occasion.
I was also priviledged to babysit, for Tommy, when he was a toddler. Your mother was taking CD and David to an appointment.
Part I—
Tom and Amee, We’re thinking of you and sending our prayers. Your mother was a wonderful lady and will be missed. Hold on to your memories and know that your friends are thinking of you at this sad time. Love, Rob and Jenny
Mary Alice Trechter was my physical education teacher at Jefferson Junior High School in Rocky Ford. I remember her positive and irrepressible attitude.
My own mother transitioned in March and as we children were sorting through her trunk of keepsakes, I found my report cards. One of the few teacher comments was a lovely one from Mrs. Trechter. I hope I left similar memories for students during my career in education.
My sympathy to her family,especially my classmate Charlie.
Charles (or C. D.as we called you when you were four years old) I loved your mother and was so pleased to have talked with her just a few days ago. She was an important part of our lives. We had wonderful times with your family in Rocky Ford and will always remember when you and Chuck played “Joe Beiler” who you admired. Do you remember? It has been four months since Jerry went to heaven. He was the greatest husband for 62 years! We will always miss him! Love, Mary Hughes
Charley: It’s always tough to lose a parent. My thoughts are with you.
Tom & Amee, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You have wonderful memories to always warm you heart. We’re thinking of you.
The Korson’s Wayne & Vicki, Rex, Jessica, Jack & TJ, and Kim
What fond memories I have of both Mr. and Mrs. Trechter while growing up in Rocky Ford. They are probably one of the reasons I became a teacher for 37 years in California. Even after graduating I remember stopping by and dropping off cantaloupes, watermelons, and vegetables and visiting with both of them. I often told my students about them. How lucky I am to have had both of them as my teachers.
My husband, Larry, and myself were both students of Mr. Trechter and Mrs. Trechter. Both were valued members of our community and very conscientious teachers. They worked hard for students and our school system. We graduated in 1956 and their influence was there before us and after us. My Dad, Lester Burchett, also remodeled their house and enjoyed doing that. The old high school is gone now, but when I happen to drive past the house I think of Mr. and Mrs. Trechter. Our condolences.
Donna Abert
Mrs. Trechter challenged me to be better and that made her a memorable teacher. I babysat for her too which I took as a compliment.My condolences to her family.
Mrs. Trechter was one of my high school teachers in 1945 or 1946 in Rocky Ford, CO. Eugene Trechter was my home room teacher. He made home room fun. Both are fondly remembered by me. My condolences