Born to her parents Mary Duran Gonzales, and Geronimo “Jerry” Gonzales July 11th 1932, Mary Ann came in the world determined to survive, a premie at only two pounds. She spent her first weeks warmed by the stove in a small shoe box in their home near Puritan, Colorado. As she grew up she started her love of skating and on the Eastside of Denver. She loved her sisters, Evelyn Salazar and Tomacita Sanchez; and her brother, Johnny Gonzales.
As a teenager she and her friends would take the Trolly on the Eastside and meet boys, and lucky enough around Halloween, at a baseball game, she met Frank “Flugencio” C. Lujan. He was in the Air Force, on leave. He continued to write her love letters even after he left Denver- she said she never answered them, but as fate would have it their paths would cross again and they would be married at Sacred Heart Church, sharing their lives for the next 72 years. Mary Ann walked to her wedding on Larimer street December 2nd with her parents. She and Frank had countless comadres and compadres throughout Colorado and New Mexico and always kept their family close, especially her nieces.
Mary Ann was a Pachuca in her younger days when she went to Manual High School where she pursued her love of dance. She did the Jitterbug, swing dance, square dancing and she loved to create art, she was a wonderful artist and singer. She was also always in style. She bestowed her love of art, crafts and creation to her children and grandchildren. Mary Ann had so much strength, she was never afraid and her family, not backing down.
Kind and generous she always made sure family and friends gathered whether it be birthdays, holidays, weekends, or baby showers. She was always busy and once her kids were born, it just added more to the already full social calendars. She was a long time member of Las Hermanas, the Mariachi’s Allegre, Church Choirs, and Art and Craft groups.
With 5 kids, she kept herself busy being a wife and mother. She gave her family a love of travel, and Mary Ann and Frank, the dynamic duo were always on the move. With a group of friends or family in tow, she would pack us all up for a mountain trips, camping in the everglades or a trips to Hawaii, Spain, Rome, Israel and Egypt. She always loved adventures, and playing cards late into the night with friends and family. She was lucky, she would win raffles on the busses on the way to the casino, and usually would hit the slots and jackpots up there too.
Mary Ann will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered. She is survived by her husband, Frank C Lujan; daughter, Belinda Garcia (LeMarr Thomas Miller); sons, Steven Andrew Lujan (Roberta Gonzales), Michael Jerry Lujan (Therese Lujan), and, Joseph Frederick Lujan (Donna Lujan); grandchildren, Manuko Michelle Cristine Gonzales, Giancarlo Javier Lujan, Adrienna Puhnani Corrales, James Matthew Lujan, Andrea Elena Lopez, Francisco “Kiko” Enrique Lujan, Lenea Micaela Lujan, Dioniscio Thomas Ashley, Aaron Joseph Lujan, and Christopher Joseph Lujan; 13 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Gail Marie Lujan and grandson, Geronimo Garcia.
A visitation for Mary Ann will be held Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM at All Saints Catholic Church, 2559 S. Federal Blvd., Denver, CO 80219. A rosary service will follow at 7:30 PM. A Funeral Mass will occur Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 10:00 AM, at All Saints Catholic Church, 2559 S. Federal Blvd., Denver, CO 80219. Mary Ann will be laid to rest on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO 80236. A reception will follow at 1:00 PM at The Knights of Columbus - Hayloft, 2950 W Mississippi Ave, Denver, CO 80219.
Donations to the Alzheimers Association in lieu of flowers are appreciated..
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.advantagerunyan-stevenson.com for the Lujan family.
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