Mary Helen McGuckin

Mary Helen McGuckin 73, moved on from this reality on November 12th, 2023 following a long illness. Mary was born on February 14, 1950 in Lamar, Colorado to Challon McGuckin and Marjorie McGuckin (Filkins). Mary was an outstanding sales representative at Xerox for 25 years and a member of North Oak AA for 39 years, where she provided sponsorship, mentorship and friendship to many. Upon retirement from corporate life, she started her own business ‘She’s Gone to the Dogs’ caring for pets. After a decade of success at that, she retired again to do what she called “The most important job I ever held” helping raise her Grandson.

Anyone that knew Mary, knew she lived to share her love with others. She was open hearted and generous. She was willing to help anyone with anything and always saw the best in people. She enjoyed cooking, dancing, gardening, painting, reading mystery novels and chocolate. To combat her illness, she took up boxing several years ago, enjoying it and the many friends she made there. Her children remember Mary as being their most passionate lifelong champion and rock.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents Challon and Marjorie McGuckin, her sister Alanna McGuckin and her brother Stephen McGuckin.

Mary is survived by her son Lee DeForest, her daughters Alana DeForest and Debbie Jones, her grandchildren Katey DeForest, Noah Hames, Jessie Hutchings, and Gunnar Russ, her great granddaughter Hannah Hutchings, her sisters Diane Montgomery-Cox and Katey McGuckin-Woolam, and many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors and pets.

In lieu of flowers, Mary would want you to do something nice for someone you love.

As it will be a celebration, the family requests attendees wear joyful colors and come prepared to share a happy memory of Mary over a provided meal following the service.

Mary’s children would like to thank the nurses at New Mark for their care and all of the many family members, friends and healthcare providers that have assisted her in this journey.