Mary Ella Mackenzie

Mary Ella MacKenzie, 92, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2026, leaving behind a life devoted to family, friendship, service, hard work, and caring for others.

Mary was born August 6, 1934, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Roy E. and Ruth E. McRee. She grew up in the mountain community of Idaho Springs, Colorado, where her family was part of the area’s mining community. She attended Clear Creek County schools and later attended Aims Community College.

On June 23, 1950, Mary married Emmett E. MacKenzie Jr. in Idaho Springs, Colorado. Together, Mary and Emmett built a life and family that would span many decades. They raised three sons, Charles, John, and David, and later welcomed grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

For many years, Mary was an integral part of MacKenzie Manufacturing, the family-owned cabinet manufacturing company in Greeley, Colorado. As an owner, receptionist, and bookkeeper, Mary was a familiar presence at the company and played an important role in its day-to-day operation. She worked alongside her family there for many years before retiring on November 30, 2004. For the many people in the Greeley community who knew the MacKenzie Manufacturing cabinet company and the family behind it, Mary was an important part of its history.

Service, fellowship, and friendship were also meaningful parts of Mary’s life. She served as Past President of the Social Order of the Beauceant and as Past Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a member of El Mejdel Temple No. 47, Daughters of the Nile. Mary treasured the friendships she made through these organizations. The meetings, road trips, breakfasts with the ladies (and sometimes their gents), and time spent together meant the world to her and brought her many years of laughter, companionship, and cherished stories. She also took great pride in the charitable causes and service these organizations supported.

Mary was generous, caring, and loving, and she enjoyed doing things for the people around her. She could often be found in the kitchen, working something up in or on the oven for family and friends. She especially enjoyed baking banana bread and brownies to share with others, and her chili was a familiar part of family Halloween nights. Christmas morning was also a yearly tradition for many generations of MacKenzie children.

Mary was also an avid reader and almost always had a book nearby. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, the fellowship of the organizations that were important to her, and the simple pleasure of caring for the people she loved.

Mary’s life touched several generations, and the love, traditions, and memories she leaves behind will continue through them. Her presence will remain in the family she helped build, in the stories that will continue to be told, and in the familiar traditions that will bring thoughts of her for years to come.

Mary is survived by her sons, John (Helen) MacKenzie and David (Julie) MacKenzie; her grandchildren, Jessica MacKenzie (Jon Forschler), Nicole Gomez, Angie (Tim) Armstrong, and Andrew (Julia) MacKenzie; her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and extended family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Emmett E. MacKenzie Jr.; her son, Charles T. MacKenzie; her grandson, PFC Tyler Ryan MacKenzie; her parents, Roy E. and Ruth E. McRee; her brother, Thomas McRee; and her sisters, Alice Jo O’Donnell and Margaret Jones.

A Celebration of Life for Mary will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Adamson Life Celebration Home in Greeley, Colorado. A private family burial service will be held separately.

In accordance with Mary’s wishes, those wishing to honor her memory may make a memorial contribution to Shriners Children’s or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, two organizations dedicated to helping children and families.

Mary will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.