Mary Leard Ooley

July 28, 1941 – March 19, 2025

Mary Leard Ooley (née Mary George Leard) left this world unexpectedly on March 19, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. While her passing was unexpected, her impact on those around her was anything but—she lived a life full of love, laughter, and a deep dedication to family, friends, and community.

Born on July 28, 1941, in Elberton, Georgia, Mary grew up in a warm and loving home. To those who knew her best, she was “Peachie,” a nickname given by her father in letters home from World War II. She carried that name proudly until her move to Colorado in 1978, when she decided it was time to reintroduce herself as “Mary.” But no matter what you called her, you knew her to be kind, fun, and fiercely devoted to those she loved.

A proud graduate of The Woman’s College of Georgia in Milledgeville, Mary earned her Bachelor of Science in Education with special emphasis on Early Elementary Education in just three years before setting off on a 35-year career as an elementary school teacher. She taught in Florida, Virginia, and Colorado, spending 20 of those years at Larkspur Elementary School, where she became a beloved fixture in the community.

In 1986, Mary married the love of her life, Leroy “Lee” Ooley. Together, they shared many adventures—bicycling, camping, fishing, road trips, and simply enjoying each other’s company along with that of their adored Australian Shepherd, Sydney. When she wasn’t outdoors, you could find her surrounded by friends, tending to her plants and gardening, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, losing herself in a good book, and, in later years, cheering on her treasured grandson at one of his many activities. She had a special fondness for the beach, particularly Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, where she found peace and joy near the ocean.

Mary was a woman of deep faith and service. A charter member of Sunrise United Methodist Church, she remained active in numerous committees over the years. She was breast cancer survivor of 46 years, and turned her experience into a source of strength, volunteering with the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery program to support others facing the same battle. She also gave her time generously to causes close to her heart, including Explorer Elementary School, Ronald McDonald House, and Mercy’s Gate food pantry.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Ooley; her parents, George and Lucile Leard; her sister, Betty Carter; and her daughter, Leslie Gale Hutto. She is survived by her daughter, Shannon (Paul) Derbique; her grandson, Jack Derbique; nieces Carol (Tim) Becton, Carla (Curt) Trogdon, and Brandon (Keith) Flory; and a wide circle of dear friends and extended family who will miss her deeply.

Mary lived her life with kindness, humor, and an open heart. She made the world a better place, whether through her teaching, her friendships, or simply the way she showed up for the people she loved. She would want us to celebrate the joy she brought into our lives—perhaps with a toast of bourbon and Coke.

A service to honor Mary’s life will be held at Sunrise United Methodist Church later this spring. In lieu of flowers, Mary expressed a wish that donations be made in her memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Colorado Children’s Hospital Foundation.