Mary Lee Giesen
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Mary's obituary
Mary Lee Giesen
September 29, 1949 – May 16, 2025
Mary Lee Giesen, born Mary Lee Holmes, passed away on May 16, 2025, at home with her daughter Beckie and sister Jacque by her side. A spirited, sharp-witted woman with a heart as big as her Amazon cart, Mary lived her life with humor, warmth, and a fierce love for her family. She also deeply loved—and was loved by—her Rottweiler babies: Xena, Bella, and Bear.
Born on September 29, 1949, Mary was the eldest of her siblings—Lee Holmes, Jacque Limke, and Cathy Smith—and she wore the title of “big sister” with pride and purpose. She was strong-willed, fiercely independent, and stubborn in the most endearing ways. Whether offering advice (solicited or not), keeping everyone in line, or simply being her authentic self, Mary led with passion and loved with a bold, unwavering heart.
She was a proud mother to Beckie Hrdlicka and Nondo (Robert Giesen), and a loving stepmother to Lauren Marsh and Nicole Cherry. Her grandchildren—Casey and Teddy Hrdlicka, and Asher and Austin Marsh—were the lights of her life, and she adored them beyond measure.
Mary was preceded in death by her beloved former husband and lifelong friend, Robert Giesen; by her parents, Elaine and Lee Holmes; and by her granddaughter, Cassie Hrdlicka. She is survived by her loving husband, Rick Adornetto, whose companionship remained a source of comfort and connection throughout her life.
One of the most meaningful chapters in Mary’s career was at Tortilla Flats, where she formed lifelong friendships and a deep love for community. Always hardworking, often juggling two or three jobs, Mary built a long and successful career—most notably as an HVAC dispatcher for Natkin and AMS—retiring after more than 40 years of dedicated service. The memories she made and the relationships she built along the way remained close to her heart for the rest of her life.
Mary’s passions included watching Friends on repeat, giving Amazon Prime a full-time workout, and lovingly bossing around her daughter, son, grandkids, and sister Jacque—just to keep them sharp. Though not religious, she believed in something greater than herself and lived by her own rules with humor and grace.
Mary was the glue that held her family together—steady, strong, and always just a phone call away. Her absence leaves a hole we cannot fill, and we are heartbroken to say goodbye. But we are endlessly grateful for the love she gave, the laughs she shared, and the memories she leaves behind.
A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on August 3rd, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 7684 S Brentwood St, Littleton, Colorado 80128. Please join us to share stories, laughter, and a toast in her honor. If you plan to attend, kindly text Beckie Hrdlicka by July 20th so we have enough food—and Bloody Marys—for everyone. Just the way Mary would’ve wanted it.
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