Mary Otten Obituary

Mary Therese (Torri) Otten passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026. Mary was born in Seatonville, IL on April 6, 1931, the eldest sister to three younger brothers. As part of a big, extended Italian family, Mary practiced and honed traits she would carry with her throughout her life: no nonsense nature, quick wit, and a strong sense of family and faith, with a little rebellious streak mixed in for good measure.

After college, Mary moved to Denver and taught elementary school music for several years. She met and married Arthur E. Otten, Jr. in 1960. Theirs was a strong and loving partnership spanning 63 years. Mary and Art loved raising their 5 children in Denver, spending time in the mountains, rooting for local sports teams and travelling with family and friends. Some of the cornerstones of their lives together were love, faith, honesty and humility. Along with a lot of patience and humor!

Mary always found time to volunteer for several organizations. She was a long-time Denver Public Schools volunteer, from early PTA years to college counseling, and worked with Risen Christ Church in many capacities. She loved helping others and spent many years helping women rebuild their lives at The Gathering Place. Mary also loved the arts, symphony concerts, and spending time in Breckenridge whenever possible.

Mary has been reunited with Art, who preceded her in death in 2024, along with many loved ones. She is survived by her children and grandchildren: Meg Otten (husband Randy Malecha), Mike Otten (wife Pamela, children Dan, Thomas and Matt), Maureen Staley (children Emily and Drew), Susie Hoodecheck (husband Steve, daughter Annie), and Jennifer Shankle (husband Kirk, children Amelia and Will). We are comforted to know Mary’s legacy of being a straight-shooter, having a generous heart, steadfast faith and a little feistiness will live on in all the lives she has touched.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, February 9th at Risen Christ Catholic Church, 3060 Monaco Parkway, Denver, CO 80222. There will be a reception immediately following at the church. The Mass will be live streamed via the Church’s YouTube channel.

Memorial donations can be made to The Gathering Place.