Mary Jane Voelker
July 17, 1944 ~ June 17, 2021
Born in:
Battle Creek, Michigan
Resided in:
PUEBLO, Colorado
Services for Mary Jane Voelker:
Mary Jane Voelker, 76, passed away June 17, 2021. Survived by her cousin, Rob (Sue) Kilmer. Preceded in death by her parents, Rolan Voelker (1980) and Dorothy (Kilmer) Voelker (2001). Mary Jane was born and raised in Battle Creek, Mich. and graduated from Lakeview High School. She continued her education at Kellogg Community College and Michigan State University in Theater Arts. Mary Jane worked during the summers at the Barn Theatre, a professional equity company and continued with horse show jumping and competition during the same time.
After university, she worked in the group insurance business which transferred her to San Francisco in the late 60s, spending 27 years in the insurance field. She then went back to school at Golden Gate University in San Francisco graduating in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism as a meeting planner and went to work for United Airlines in reservations sales and service and retired in 2001.
Mary Jane came to Pueblo for a visit in 2003, and loved the friendliness and family feel of the people in Pueblo, so she bought a home and moved to Pueblo for good in 2006. In support of Pueblo, she became involved with and was a major supporter of the Pueblo Community College Culinary Arts and Hospitality Department, the Dorcy Cancer Center at St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center where she would “match of the paddle” at Cowboys Kickin’ Cancer fund-raiser and the Pueblo County Historical Society. She was an emeritus member of the Pueblo Community College Foundation, former board member of Pueblo County Historical Society and past moderator for her church, First Congregational United Church of Christ, in which she was actively involved.
Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Memorial service, 10 a.m. Saturday, July 31, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. Private inurnment, Mountain View Cemetery Chapel Mausoleum. Memorials may be made to PCC Foundation, 900 W. Orman Ave., Pueblo, CO 81004 or St. Mary-Corwin Health Foundation, Attn: Linda Russell, Foundation Manager, 1008 Minnequa Ave., Pueblo, CO 81004. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com
Some recognitions for her contributions and achievements are: 1) Induction into the President’s Circle of Pueblo Community College at the 2014 Donor Appreciation Dinner. 2) Pueblo County Historical Society ‘s 2019 Historic Preservation Award for her outstanding community contributions during the May 2019 annual awards dinner.
Services
Memorial Service: July 31, 2021 10:00 am
Montgomery & Steward Funeral Chapel
1317 N. Main Street
Pueblo, CO 81003
719-542-1552
http://www.montgomerysteward.com
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Even though we were Mary Jane’s next-door neighbor for only 3 years, we came to respect and value her as a friend and neighbor. Every morning we still look over at her back deck from our back deck hoping we will see her there with her dogs, receiving her warm greetings and waves. We couldn’t have asked for a better neighbor; she is greatly missed. Blessings on all her earthly endeavors and family, and grateful to the One who now holds her in forever arms.
Mary Jane was Lakeview High School class of 1962. She came to every class reunion. We were classmates living in same neighborhood. All of neighbor kids climbed trees and played work-up baseball together in a vacant lot. MJ always beat me in bike races. RIP my dear friend.
I was saddened to hear of Mary Jane’s passing. She had such a generous spirit and a strong commitment to making a difference in her community. She freely gave of her time, resources and talents and especially liked participating in projects that provided opportunities for young people to find a pathway to success. She will be missed.
Our beloved friend and supporter, Mary Jane Voelker, shared the mission of St. Mary-Corwin of caring for others throughout her community. Mary Jane was a generous spirit who championed the importance of investing in our Pueblo community and improving healthcare through her gifts. Mary Jane valued “giving back” especially to her community.
Our Foundation team, including myself, were blessed to know her.
One of my favorite people EVER! Mary Jane was a year older than I but we hung out a lot. Sorry to see that she has passed. She was a good soul.
An outstanding woman and very dear friend. Thanks to her generosity to Pueblo Community College; its students and its programs…her light will continue to shine for perpetuity!
Rest in Eternal Peace!
Such a loss to all! Thanks for all you did for PCC.
MJ is one of the most beautiful people I have ever met. She made so many dreams come true for the PCC Hospitality program. She made my dreams come true over and over.
MJ helped PCC become a National Powerhouse because of her love and generosity. I will always be grateful to you MJ.
All my love.