Mary Jane Begalle

Mary Jane Begalle (Popko) was born in Ironwood Michigan on February 21, 1934, to Thomas and Anna Popko. Growing up in a family of 9 siblings, strong family values were instilled in Mary Jane at a very young age, values that she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She was raised in Oma, WI and graduated from Wisconsin State College in Superior, WI with her teaching degree. In 1955, she married Donald Begalle, the beginning of a beautiful 67-year marriage. Soon after they moved to Illinois where they welcomed twin boys, Jeffery and James into their family, followed by another son Joseph and two daughters Jill and Julie. After living in New York and North Carolina, Mary Jane and Don moved to Colorado in 1976 setting down roots and building their forever home.

Mary Jane worked in sales at Sears for 16 years but she spent most of her life devoted to taking care of her family and helping others. She volunteered at the OUR Center & the HOPE Center, spent time visiting nursing home residents and was an active member of the Holy Spirit Circle at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. She also served as a Historian Officer for the Denver Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women.

Mary Jane's true passion was cooking for her family and friends, especially the children. Along with making sure her grandchildren always got socks and briefs for Christmas.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Anna, siblings Johnny, Thomas, Anna Mae, Eugene and her daughter Jill WooChing. She is survived by her husband, Don, sons Jeff (Leah), Jim (Margret), Joe (Terri), daughter Julie and son-in-law Sililo, as well as 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 4 remaining siblings, Donald, Gordon, Michael and Virginia.

Mary Jane will be remembered as a big-hearted, kind and generous woman. A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she will be greatly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Longmont at 10 am on Friday, January 27, 2023, with a reception immediately following.

A private burial will be held in Ironwood, Michigan later this summer.