Marie Pistilli

1933 - 2015

Marie Rose Pistilli of Niwot died at home Saturday, November 14th as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident in early October. She spent her last moments peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Marie was born September 8th, 1933 in Bronx, NY to Mary Latronica and Max Petruce, both whom preceded her in death. Marie met and married her husband of 62 years, Pasquale (Pat) Pistilli in New York before moving to NJ where they were blessed with three daughters. Pat and Marie moved to Boulder in 1968 and the mountains quickly possessed Marie's spirit. In her early years, Marie worked in bookkeeping and returned to that role in order to help put her daughters through college. In 1984, Pat and Marie founded MP Associates, a conference management company. For 16 years, Pat and Marie worked side-by-side planning and organizing trade shows in the Electronic Design Automation Industry. Marie was respected and influential in her role as Exhibits Manager and under her direction, grew the Design Automation Conference to one of the largest trade shows in the country. Marie believed in equality and worked hard to further the advancement of women in the field of engineering. Her efforts resulted in a women-specific workshop at the top industry conference. An award is bestowed upon an outstanding woman leader in the industry in her namesake. Marie and Pat also became avid supporters of CU Athletics through scholarships, mentoring and cheering on the Buffs at countless events. Throughout her life Marie maintained and relied on her deep Catholic faith to get her through times of trouble and celebrate the countless joys. The Mass and prayer were the foundation of her faith and remained her priority until the end. Marie is survived by her husband, Pat of Niwot; a brother Richard Petruce of Rockaway, NJ; daughters Regina Pistilli (Deb Singer) of Sleepy Hollow, NY; Juliette (Kevin) Lepine of Superior; and Trish (Lee) Wood of Boulder, and five grandchildren. Marie had many talents, accomplishments and gifts but among her greatest was her ability to cultivate, express and spread love. She cast a wide net of kindness that spread from young to old and was without limits. She was always willing to listen, cook, pray or encourage those around her no matter what the circumstances. Marie accepted her catastrophic injuries with grace and courage that inspired those around her to see the blessings in every moment. Her death leaves an immeasurable hole, but her spirit will live on as she guides us in continuing her legacy of love, generosity and joy. Visitation and Rosary will be held from 4-8 pm on Monday, November 23rd at Crist Mortuary. Mass and Christian Burial will be officiated by Rev. Joe Ciccone, CSP at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 24th at 10am. Burial will take place immediately following Mass at Green Mountain Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Family Hospice Foundation, 1790 30th Street, Suite 308, Boulder, CO 80301 or The Paulist Fathers at www.paulist.org/donate.