Mariann Lastoka

Mariann Lastoka, 60, passed away Sunday, July 1, 2012. She fought and endured a five year battle with stage 4 breast cancer. She passed away at her residence, her family's home since the early 1900s, in Louisville. Mariann was born in Boulder, August 21, 1951. She attended St. Louis grade school and Louisville High School, graduating with the Class of 1969. She then left Louisville to attend Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, and then transferred to University of Northern Colorado in Greeley to complete her degree in Rehabilitation and Related Services, with a minor in Psychology. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree on August 15, 1973. She worked for Boulder County Sheltered Workshop, working with adults with cognitive disabilities, and was a program director. Mariann was dedicated to her Czech heritage and Louisville history. She achieved her dream of writing and publishing "Our Families Journey to the Foot of the Mountains and Beyond," as well as three family recipe cookbooks and a children's book, "Pete and Patricia Prairie Dog and Their Pack of Prairie Pups." She and her life partner of 17 years, Debbie, enjoyed traveling in their RV, going to museums, concerts, and being moms to their furry kids. Mariann is also survived by her brother Jim and his wife Nancy; nieces, Tammy and Andi; nephews, Todd, Chris, and CJ; great nieces, Kaci and Jayden; and great nephew, Beau. Her brother John, and parents Jim and Sue Lastoka, preceded her in death. Donations in Mariann's name may be made to Abbey of Saint Walburga or the Saint Fund. Please visit darrellhowemortuary.com for memorial service information.