Well known Del Norte resident Mary Kay Jones, 70, died peacefully December 25, 2013 at the Rio Grande Hospital in Del Norte following a ten year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Mary Kay was born in Pueblo on April 10, 1943 and was soon recognized as a musical prodigy. She began playing the church pipe organ for weddings and funerals at the age of 7.
An honors graduate of Pueblo South High, Mary Kay was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Denver, and later went on to a Master’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She enjoyed a successful 25 year career as a Commercial Real Estate Broker, while pursuing a parallel love of music and the performing arts. An accomplished pianist and soprano, she sang with the Denver Chorale and later with the Arizona Opera Company. As an ardent supporter of the arts, Mary Kay served on many boards and committees, including the Tucson Symphony Women’s Association and as a Trustee of the Creede Repertory Theater. Hers was truly a gifted life well lived.
She was preceded in death by her parents William and Josephine Marie Jonke Krasovec, and an infant son Jackie. Survivors include her husband of 30 years Mark M. Jones, AIA, of Del Norte, sister Roberta Whelan of Las Vegas, NV, children Kent Bruner of Denver, Dawn (Jim) Riggins of Humble, TX, and Holly Wilson of Denver, grandchildren Sydney and Logan Bruner and Phillip and David Riggins, and one great grandchild.
At her request, cremation was chosen and no services are planned. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to The Windsor Hotel Restoration, P.O. Box 452, Del Norte, CO 81132. Arrangements are by Rogers Family Mortuary, Alamosa.