Mary Ann Baldivia

Mary Ann Baldivia was born on January 16th, 1937, in Fort Collins, Colorado, the beloved daughter of Joseph Solano and Stella Marquez. She passed away on March 31st, 2026, at the age of 89. She came into this world with a warmth and spirit that would touch the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

In 1955, Mary Ann’s life changed forever when she met Rudolph “Rudy” Baldivia, the man who would become her partner in all things. The two married and built a life rich with love and laughter. Together they welcomed four children into the world: Rudina, Sharon, Stephanie, and Rudolph, each one a testament to the beautiful home Mary Ann poured her heart into creating.

Those who knew Mary Ann knew she had a gift for celebrating life in the simplest and most meaningful ways. Few things brought her more joy than the holiday season, when she would transform her table into something worthy of admiration, carefully decorated and set with pride, while the sounds of family laughter filled every corner of the room. To Mary Ann, a full table meant a full heart.

Her love for the outdoors expressed itself through her garden, a quiet sanctuary she tended with patience and care. She had an equal fondness for the mountains, and a trip to Estes Park could lift her spirits like few other things could. Even an afternoon of window shopping along a sunny street was, to her, a perfect way to spend a day.

Mary Ann had a natural rhythm about her, quite literally. She cherished the time she spent dancing with her brother Chan, and she took genuine delight in passing that joy along by teaching others to dance as well. It was a reflection of who she was: someone who believed the best things in life were meant to be shared.

Her grandchildren were among her greatest treasures. She devoted herself to their care with the same tenderness she gave to everything she loved. And on autumn Sundays and summer evenings, you could find her cheering proudly for the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Rockies, a loyal fan through every season.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Rudy; her parents, Joseph and Stella; her sisters, Joann Solano Godinez and Janet “Toni” Solano Guerrero; her brothers, Joseph “Little Joe” Solano, Alfred “Chan” Solano, and Richard Solano; her granddaughter, Christina Rodriguez.

She is survived by her children, Rudina Baldivia of Pueblo, Sharon Hayes, Stephanie (Arnold) Gonzales, and Rudolph Baldivia of Fort Collins; her grandchildren, Luis Arocho, Lina Arocho Freed, Lorenzo Arocho, Christopher “Roy” Rodriguez, Arnold Gonzales, Chrystal Gonzales, Carlos Gonzales, Franky Bernhardt, Rudy Baldivia, Taylor Baldivia, and Nash Baldivia; as well as her great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to a graveside service on April 14th at 1:00 p.m. at Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins, CO. A reception will be held at Mary Ann’s house after the service.