Mary Elizabeth Siwula

Mary Elizabeth Siwula is the cherished wife of the late Thomas Andrew Siwula. They were married for 61 years until Thomas passed away in 2011. Mary outlived her beloved husband Tom by 14 years. She is survived by her four adoring children: Lynne Siwula, Tom Jr. and wife Terri Siwula, Betsy and husband Wolfgang Brandt and Jeannie and husband Mike Connolly. She is also survived by five loving grandchildren: Laura Werbner, Molly Siwula-Smith and Luke Siwula, and Justin and Joseph Connolly. And by two great grandchildren, Rylie and Paige Werbner, and with another great grandchild on the way. Mary was so proud of all of them!

Mary was born and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio with two other, now deceased, sisters Dorothy and Mildred. Mary said that her father George Espelage and mom Clara were the very best parents to her, and she adored her two sisters. George and all 3 sisters died well into their nineties and Mary the eldest child passed at ninety-seven.

Mary graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Medical Technology where she spent years working in a hospital. She continued to work part-time as she raised her four children. It’s a good thing Mary and Tom enjoyed traveling as each of their four children were born in a different state. After retiring they moved to Albuquerque, NM in 1993. They loved taking road trips, especially in NM, and the West with their camper trailer. Mary joined a very active hiking group and line dancing group in ABQ which she passionately enjoyed for many years. After Tom passed Mary remained very active taking up knitting as well as traveling with her children, including long trips to the Pacific Ocean, going out weekly to explore new restaurants with her daughters and participating in many fun happy hours. She always made sure she was well-dressed, being a true fashionista, and she was also known for making a fabulous margarita!

Mary had the very good fortune of remaining healthy, with no major diseases until she broke her hip at ninety-seven. She remained financially savvy and independent her entire life. We were all blessed to know such a strong and determined woman, who also nursed our dad for over a decade as he passed with Parkinson’s disease. She thrived in her eighties and nineties, growing softer, kinder and gentler, with a great sense of humor and warmth. Mary stayed sharp reading books and the newspaper every day, enjoyed discussing current events, and loved to eat and party.

Mary was a practicing Catholic her entire life, she enjoyed going to church and saying the rosary to the very end. We learned how close she was to Jesus’ mother Mary when she recited “Holy Mary mother of God pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death,” as she was passing from this world to the next. We are thrilled that she no longer has any pain and was welcomed by her deceased family and friends (especially husband Tom!). She has entered God’s Heavenly Kingdom. We can only imagine what it’s like to stand before all-consuming love and light! In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, she shall never be forgotten, we love you Mary!

The Memorial Mass will be on September 12 at 9:45AM at Santa Maria de la Paz, 11 College Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87508, followed by a short reception at the church’s Parish Hall. Following the reception Mary will be carried to Gate of Heaven Cemetery in ABQ to rest beside her beloved husband. We invite you to share your memory of Mary at https://www.crematesimply.com/newmexico