Marie Howdeshell

Marie Howdeshell was born in Manhattan, New York to Italian immigrant parents, Nicholas and Rose Simone. Marie was raised in the Catholic faith along with her two siblings, her sister Anne and brother Steve. As a child Marie loved ice skating and roller-skating but had high hopes of becoming a ballerina. Marie also had her favorites while growing up in the city, Broadway Theatre (as she adored musicals), the world famous Rockettes, Coney Island, Jones Beach, and Rockefeller Center just to name a few.

Marie was very much an extrovert, never afraid to approach people in her path, offering words of wisdom or just plain listening. Her kids at moments would have to hide to avoid being introduced to everyone Marie would encounter. Everyone who knew Marie witnessed her positive persona as she would always greet you waving her arms in the air like you were a celebrity. Marie was exceptional at celebrating people around her; this was her true purpose! Marie’s favorite thing to say to people was, “you are beautiful, love who you are,” which she did with sincere execution!

Just like Coco Chanel, Marie graduated from Millinery School in NYC perfecting the art of hat and dress making. Marie worked as a waitress during this time, meeting many celebrities like Bing Crosby! She even waited on some of the Italian mafia. Marie later worked at Bulova watch company in the city, putting mechanisms in watches was her task.

In late 50’s, Marie moved to Tucson, Arizona to be close to her sister Anne and her brother-in-law Don. It was here Marie met Rich while waitressing at a local coffee shop. It was love from the get-go as they married, never looking back after 60 years together! Marie had her first child Barbara in Tucson before relocating to Denver, Colorado. They knew no one in Colorado but had heard of its beauty and the great growth of Denver, perfect for Marie, a mini-NYC! Marie gave birth to her second child Patrick shortly after arriving in Denver.

In 1967 Marie and the family moved to Lakewood, a suburb of Denver where Marie was primarily a homemaker while her children were in school. Marie kept busy volunteering at school, working part time in retail and hosting bible study in her home. In 1976 the family grew tired of the hustle and bustle and headed to the Western Slope residing in Grand Junction. It was here Marie took a job with Coors Porcelain Company as a parts inspector, which included inspecting parts for aerospace. Marie worked for Coors for over 20 years, receiving a prestigious award for her accomplishment from the CEO. 

While always looking for greener pastures Marie and Rich moved to Buena Vista to retire, where they resided for several years before moving to their final home in Austin, Colorado. Marie, being the city girl, grew fond of small-town life and adapted well.

Marie loved to cook and bake. Her Italian heritage had her making lasagna, pizza and NY cheesecake, and much more, as well as cooking in large amounts! There were always leftovers! The family recipes will be treasured for years to come. Over the years Marie started modifying her recipes using healthier ingredients. Marie was really a pioneer of natural medicine and healthy food, which was not the trend back then. She was always learning more when it came to natural remedies and anything to do with alternative medicine, always reading and attending workshops. In fact, her bible was a book called Back to Eden! Marie and Rich often spoke of owning their own health food store and looked into many on the market. There was always a plethora of supplements in the house that Marie would many times share with family and friends.

One of Marie’s greatest adventures was taking a trip to the Philippines with the church to experience psychic healing. This trip made such an impact on her, she was always sharing her photos with anyone who showed interest.

Marie treated all people she met with wonder, never fearing, judging, rather a childlike curiosity and having an affinity for everyone regardless of their character or where they were from.

Marie was a very spiritual person despite her catholic roots and because of her quest for truth she delved in many religions and churches. Some of the establishments she regularly attended were Church of Religious Science, Church of Unity and Center for Spiritual Living, CSL.

Marie is survived by her son Patrick Howdeshell of Austin, Colorado, daughter Barbara, son-in-law Ramon, grandsons Oscar, Josh and Kalvin Plaza of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, as well as extended family and friends.

Marie passed at her home with her loving son Patrick by her side. We are all thankful for that. Marie will be laid to rest along with Rich in the Grand Junction Veterans Memorial Cemetery Wall Niche as they had requested.

We will all miss her very much, especially her contagious laugh and beautiful smile. We look forward to the future when we meet with her again. She's a light that always burned bright and will never go out!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marie's name to HopeWest Hospice.