A beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted dog lover, Mary radiated kindness to all who knew her.

 

Mary J. Hinz, 89, of Arvada, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home on June 13, 2025, surrounded by the warmth of her loved ones.

 

Mary was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, in 1935 to William and Marcella Hoffmann, the youngest of five children. Wisconsin always held a profoundly special place in Mary’s heart, a testament to her deep love for her heritage, her cherished family, and the many friends she embraced as family. In Wisconsin, Mary was affectionately known as ‘Penny,’ a sweet nickname given to her by her four older siblings. They often joked that she’d do anything for a penny, a playful nod to her generous spirit.

 

Growing up, Mary spent countless joyful hours in beautiful Green Lake with friends and different relatives. She attended Green Lake High School and was a cheerleader, member of the National Thespian Society, and participated in Band and the Glee Club. After high school, Mary worked at Norton’s, a lake front restaurant on Green Lake, alongside her best friend, Lolly. One evening, two handsome young men, Harry (Bud) and Dave, walked into the restaurant and sat at the bar. This fateful encounter led to the beginning of a blossoming love that endured for both Lolly and Dave, and Penny and Bud. In time, both couples joyfully married and embarked on their new lives together. The two couples remained lifelong, dear friends, sharing countless adventures and extensive travels through the years. Bud and Penny’s many other friends from Wisconsin remained close and would forevermore feel like family.

 

After Penny and Bud were married on August 3, 1957, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ripon Wisconsin, they celebrated with a lovely wedding reception at Heidel House on Green Lake in Wisconsin, surrounded by a multitude of family and friends. They settled in Madison, Wisconsin, where their first child, Elizabeth, was born. Mary worked as a secretary for a paper company while Bud completed his electrical engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin. Exciting job opportunities soon beckoned Bud, leading their young family to Colorado. They made their first Colorado home in Littleton, where Mary and Bud welcomed their second daughter, Katherine. Here, they quickly met more lifelong friends, Bob and Cynthia, whose children were similar ages to Beth and Kathy. They all bonded immediately, forging a connection that remains strong and dear to this day.

 

New job opportunities for Bud eventually brought the family to Arvada, Colorado. It was here that they joyfully welcomed their third daughter, Sarah. Their new home was perfectly suited for a family of five, offering ample space, proximity to a park, and a large backyard. The home was nestled in an amazing cul-de-sac, filled with wonderful people who soon became cherished friends. Shortly after Sarah was born, Bud, an avid bird hunter, decided to bring home a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy. While Mary was initially less than thrilled about a new puppy alongside a new baby, the sweet pup quickly melted his way into her heart, undoubtedly feeling the same love and kindness Mary so readily extended to everyone.

 

Arvada became Mary’s lifelong home. She deeply cherished being close to her family and friends. She found immense joy in family get-togethers, especially when they included her three beloved grandchildren, Alec, Ellie, Emma (and her husband Dylan), and her precious great-granddaughter, Macey. She also adored her canine companion, Willi, who faithfully cared for her and was a constant source of comfort and companionship.

 

We could not have asked for a more wonderful wife, mom, homemaker, grandmother, or friend; Mary’s absence will be felt deeply every single day. She will forever be remembered for her truly genuine kindness and the boundless warmth she showed to everyone. Mary truly had a heart of gold, giving so much of herself to so many. There are countless memories of her amazing spirit, and it feels important to share just a small glimpse of the incredible person she was:

 

● Her boundless love: She always made us feel profoundly loved her presence a comforting embrace.

 

● A talented creator: She was a gifted seamstress who lovingly made our clothes, allowing us to choose the patterns and fabrics, making each piece uniquely ours.

 

● Cherished memories (and laughs!): She cut our hair and even gave us perms, which we might not have loved at the time, but now bring smiles and laughter to our faces.

 

● Her thoughtful care: She always packed us brown bag lunches from home because she knew we didn’t care for cafeteria food (even packing special ones on field trip days).

 

● A dedicated volunteer: She generously volunteered as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, chaperoned field trips, and actively participated in the PTSA, always showing up for us.

 

● The gift of family: Our yearly summer car trips to Wisconsin to spend time with extended family, days on the lake, and cherished moments with friends who felt like family at the Kennedy Farm, all instilled in us the invaluable importance of family connections.

 

● Always supportive: She knew the importance of education and helped on many school projects (a research paper on saving whales was to become the start of a lifelong love of whales). She could always be found in the cheering section of our sporting events - field day in elementary school, track, soccer.

 

● Wonderful cook/baker: We always knew there would be an amazing dinner waiting for us sometimes including her perfect homemade french fries. Her recipes, including potato salad, will be pasted down for generations. A highlight for the grandkids every year was making Christmas cookies with her.

 

● Sharing adventures: We were so lucky to have our parents share their love of Maui with us, creating unforgettable family memories. Whale watching was particularly exciting both in Maui and in Monterey Bay.

 

● Her compassionate heart: We witnessed her selfless acts, like baking birthday cakes for developmentally disadvantaged individuals, delivering food for Meals on Wheels and helping the grandchildren pick out toys to donate to “Toys for Tots”.

 

● Her infectious spirit: Her wonderful sense of humor always brightened our days.

 

● Embracing challenges: She even offered to be a soccer coach, despite knowing nothing about the sport! Because there was a need, she simply bought some books and enthusiastically took on the job.

 

● A lifelong learner and contributor: She volunteered at the Museum of Natural History, demonstrating her passion for learning and giving back.

 

● Artistry and warmth: She lovingly sewed beautiful quilts and knitted cozy sweaters, ensuring each of us had a special handmade treasure from her.

 

● Incredible strength: She showed remarkable strength and bravery, fighting and triumphing over breast cancer.

 

● A graceful golfer: She was a skilled golfer and enjoyed playing with a women’s group, even achieving a hole-in-one on a challenging course in California!

 

● Pursuing her dreams: She went back to school and earned her paralegal degree, a testament to her dedication and intellect.

 

● A beacon of inspiration: She always showed up whenever she was needed, modeling the profound importance of being kind, thankful, and finding beauty everywhere.

 

Mary will forever live on in the hearts of all those who love her.

 

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harry (Bud) Hinz, her parents, her siblings, and many dear friends.

 

She is survived by her loving daughters, Beth (Kathi) Hinz, Kathy (Jon) Tomhave, and Sarah (Scott) Musson and her grandchildren Emma (Dylan) Musson-Morris, Alec Tomhave, and Ellie Musson, her great-granddaughter, Macey Morris and her dog Willi.

 

A short service will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery on August 1st at 10:00, where Mary will be laid to rest with her husband, Harry. All are welcome to attend.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations to a breast cancer organization, such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation, in Mary’s honor would be greatly appreciated.