Mary Elizabeth (Taylor) Pierz

MARY ELIZABETH (TAYLOR) PIERZ, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Fort Collins, CO, during the early morning hours of June 13, 2024.

Mary was born to Morris F. Taylor, a well-known historian and author of Colorado and local history, and Betty B. Taylor, a teacher and librarian, on March 11, 1947, in Trinidad, CO.

Raised in Trinidad, she grew up in the pre-1874 home built by her maternal great-grandparents, who were Colorado territorial pioneers. She attended East Street Elementary School, Rice Middle School, and Trinidad High School.

In 1960—1961, during her eighth-grade year, Mary moved with her family to England, where her father served as a professor in the Fullbright Exchange program. While abroad, she attended Bromley County School for Girls, and on holidays, she and her family traveled extensively throughout the UK and Europe. These experiences not only inspired her love of travel, but also deepened her interest in the arts and humanities.

Upon graduating from Trinidad High School in 1965, she enrolled at Trinidad State Junior College. It was at TSJC orientation that she first met Frankie T. Pierz from Yonkers, NY, whom she would marry two years later, on June 10, 1967.

She completed her studies at Adams State University, and following graduation, Mary accepted her first teaching assignment in Ferndale, WA, while Frank attended graduate school. They later returned to Colorado, settling in Canõn City, where Frank worked for the Council of Governments, and Mary taught English at Florence High School. When Frank accepted a position at Colorado State University, they relocated to Fort Collins.

Together, Mary and Frank had two children, Melanie Elizabeth and Geoffrey Morris. During their formative years, she dedicated herself to her young family, volunteering for her children's school events and extracurricular activities. She also served as a club leader for 4-H and was honored as an Outstanding Club Leader for Larimer County. Once Melanie and Geoffrey entered elementary school, Mary returned to teaching, first as a substitute teacher in the Poudre School District and later, teaching full-time at Fort Collins High School, Boltz Middle School, and Preston Middle School. She retired in 2008 after over 30 years of service throughout her career.

Mary was deeply devoted to her family and cherished her friendships. She maintained lifelong bonds with her first cousins and enjoyed collaborating with her former Trinidad High School classmates to plan class reunions and other social gatherings.

Mary's interests were as varied as they were passionate. She took great delight in her exquisite garden, especially her rose garden, which was a true reflection of her nurturing spirit. She also enjoyed playing the piano and excelled at intricate cross-stitch needlework and crossword puzzles. Her profound love for animals was evident in her dedicated care for them. Having grown up in a home filled with books, she was an avid reader and a member of two book clubs, often finishing the assigned book the night before the meeting.

Mary's passion for music and the arts was diverse, encompassing everything from classical music—highlighted by her annual trips with Frank to the Santa Fe Opera—to rock and roll, with a particular fondness for artists like The Beatles, Tom Petty, and Janis Joplin. She was an enthusiastic concertgoer, attending performances by Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, and Paul Simon multiple times. She also loved visiting museums, where she enjoyed exhibitions showcasing southwest art and culture, impressionism, contemporary art, and many other movements and styles.

A dedicated travel enthusiast, she was always eager to explore new destinations and immerse herself in different cultures. Her journeys led her across the United States and through countries such as the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Russia, Egypt, and Morocco, among others.

Following Frank's retirement from CSU in 2010, she surprised him with a memorable trip to Egypt and Holland. Late last fall, she treated the entire family to a trip to New York City to celebrate Frank's 80th birthday. The highlight of the trip was a special visit to his childhood home in Yonkers, NY.

Dedicated to empowering and uplifting others, she was an advocate for education and equal rights, actively participating in marches and events supporting teachers, civil rights, and women's rights.

Mary became a fourth-generation member of Trinidad PEO Chapter J in 1965 and later transferred to Chapter GG upon moving to Fort Collins, serving as a dedicated and caring PEO sister for over 55 years.

As both of her parents were educators, they instilled in her a love of learning and a belief in the power of education to transform lives, which inspired her to become a teacher. Mary wrote, "Teaching was always in my heart. Working with teenagers gives me tremendous faith in the future. I know from my experiences that the future of our country and our world will be in good hands."

Preceding her in death are her parents. Mary is survived by her husband of 57 years, Frank; their daughter, Melanie Pierz; their son, Geoffrey; and daughter-in-law, Colette Pierz, along with her grandchildren, Alex, Lila, and Keegan Pierz. She is also survived by her sister, Rebecca Bingham, and brother-in-law, Mitchell May; her niece, Heather (Jim) Lay; and great-niece, Morgan Lay; and many first cousins.

Cremation has taken place. Interment services for Mary are planned for September 7, 2024, 11:00 AM, at the Masonic Cemetery in Trinidad, with a reception following at Saint Joseph's Hall.

A gathering of remembrance will be held at the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins on October 12, 2024, at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

§ Cottey College Fund - https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1449/lg21/form.aspx?sid=1449&gid=1&pgid=342&cid=969

§ Animal Friends Alliance or an animal rescue organization in your community - https://www.savinganimalstoday.org/donate/