Mary Fruehauf

1959 - 2015

Having survived ovarian cancer much longer than even her doctor's most optimistic prognosis, Mary Fruehauf died May 29, 2015 with her parents, brother and best friend holding her hands. She was 55. Mary was deeply grateful for the ongoing support of her oncologist, Dr. John Fleagle, the cancer triage team and the many doctors and nurses at Boulder Community Foothills Hospital, and the love of her family and devoted friends Mariah Maydew and Eric Blackledge. Asked to describe Mary, friends and employees at Fruehauf's Patio & Garden Center used words like generous, creative, inventive, adventurous, dedicated, optimistic, loyal, cheerful and loving. She was also a "pistol" who never let her illness or treatments interfere with her deep devotion to the business, sometimes boarding a plane for a buying trip less than 24 hours after undergoing a chemotherapy treatment. Mary was born Oct. 21, 1959 to Victor and Gretchen Fruehauf in Minneapolis, where her father was attending graduate school. They soon returned to their hometown, Midland, Michigan, where Mary spent her earliest childhood years. The family moved to Boulder, where she attended Burke Elementary School, Burbank Junior High School and Fairview High School. But Mary always relished returning to the shores of Lake Huron each summer to spend time with her cousins. After graduating in 1978, Mary went on to earn a degree in elementary education at Arizona State University. She then returned to her hometown, where she attended the CU-Boulder business school in preparation for taking over the family business. Fruehauf's, founded in 1977 as a flower and plant store, evolved into one of the region's most comprehensive "outdoor living" businesses, selling everything from patio furniture to fountains, fire pits and statuary. As president and owner, Mary guided the business to unprecedented heights. She also became a prominent figure in the national patio-furniture industry, receiving the prestigious Apollo Award for the best-run casual furniture business in the nation. A member of the International Casual Furnishings Association, she often contributed to national trade publications and was sought out by her fellow retailers for advice. But perhaps more important, Mary mentored, taught and inspired deep loyalty in her employees, the newest of whom has been with the business more than 10 years. She was a loving daughter, sister and beloved Aunt Mary to her niece and nephew. When the kids were younger, she took them shoppingt to choose, but not buy, Christmas gifts; Mary would return to buy the presents later, wrap them and place them under the tree. She was a dog lover and participated as a volunteer with rescue groups for Basset hounds and Dachshunds. She also loved to travel, visiting all 50 states and every continent except for Antarctica and the Australian sub-continent. Mary is survived by her parents, of La Jolla, California; her brother Todd, his wife Lisa and their two children, Caitlyn and Zachary of Boulder; her long-time friend Eric Blackledge and their two Dachshunds, Trevor and Gabby. A private family service has been held. Burial and a graveside service for extended family will be held in Midland at a date to be announced. The family also plans to hold a celebration of life in Boulder at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society for ovarian-cancer research; 2255 S. Oneida St. Denver, CO 80224, (cancer.org), TRU Community Care hospice; 2594 Trailridge Drive East, Lafayette, CO 80026 (trucare.org) or Coast to Coast Dachshund.Rescue, P.O. Box 147, Jacobus, PA 17407 (c2cdr.org).