Mary W. Athens

Mary W. Athens born March 8, 1922 in Denver, Colorado, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2015. Mary was known to all who loved her as "Aunt Mary". She was the youngest of four and the daughter of the late William and Efthemia Athens of Denver, Colorado. She was the last to pass away of her three siblings: George (Helen) Athens, Phillip (Elaine) Athens and Sophie (Jake) Jacobson. Mary is survived by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and innumerable friends.

Mary went to Greek school where she spoke Greek fluently, and learned the Greek traditions. She was also involved in song and dance at the festivities held at AHEPA Temple. Her Greek heritage was very important to her, as evidenced by the abundant hours she spent attending church activities. Mary graduated from West High School located in Denver in 1939.

After high school, Mary worked for Colorado Mills and Elevator Company as an administrative assistant. However, Mary wanted more and answered a Denver Post ad for a Foreign Service Secretary. Two weeks later, Mary was hired as a Clerk Stenographer in the War Production Board in Washington, D.C. From Washington D.C. she went to New York and was the secretary to the Legal Adviser to the United Nations. After New York, her foreign travels began; she traveled to various countries for two year stints based out of the local Embassies. Her travels took her to: Tokyo, New Delhi, Mexico City, Belgrade, Madrid, Athens, Rangoon, Lima, London, Dublin and Tel Aviv. During her time with the Department of State, Mary met several U.S. Presidents: Carter, Eisenhower, Truman and Kennedy. She also had the privilege of meeting other various distinguished individuals, such as the Prime Minister of India.

Mary retired in 1987 and returned home to Denver where she volunteered at Swedish Medical Center. She loved to travel and ventured off and toured the United States. She had numerous hobbies which included: bowling, swimming, playing and watching tennis, gambling, reading, going for tea, watching ballets and playing bridge.

Mary adored her family and friends. She loved the occasional visits where she always had words of encouragement, a listening ear, and a bowl full of nuts and candy for everyone. Mary taught us all with examples of strength, endurance, and love that knew no bounds. Her faith in God, the Greek Orthodox Church, her family and friends were unwavering and sustained her until the end. Mary lived a life that was full and left a legacy for doing things her way.

Visitation:
Monday, February 23, 2015 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Assumption of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Denver, 4610 E. Alameda Ave. Denver, CO

Trisagion (Prayer Service)
Monday, February 23, 2015 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Assumption of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Denver, 4610 E. Alameda Ave. Denver, CO

Service:
Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 10:00 AM
Assumption of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Denver, 4610 E. Alameda Ave. Denver, CO

Interment:
Chapel Hill Cemetery
Littleton, CO

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's name may be made to Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4610 E. Alameda Avenue, Denver, CO 80246 or Suncrest Hospice, 777 E. Speer Boulevard, Denver, CO 80203.