Mary Ellen Konechne Calvin
Mary K. Calvin passed away peacefully on May 11, 2020 at the age of 83.
Mary was born March 27, 1937 on the family farm in Kimball, South Dakota to Charles and Ellen (Mulcrone) Konechne. She attended Kimball High School and Presentation School of Nursing in Mitchell, SD. After nursing school she moved to Colorado Springs where she met her husband James Frank Calvin on a blind date. They were married on June 24, 1961 (he preceded her in death on February 17, 1999). Two years later they welcomed the first of 4 children on their anniversary, James “Clai” Calvin, followed by Colleen Calvin Kline, Timothy Calvin and Rashawna Calvin Cash.
Mary was a woman of amazing strength and faith. She was an avid tennis player, gardener, seamstress, cook, Bridge player and beloved wife, mother, sister and Grandmother. She enjoyed spending her time with family and friends. We are grateful for the countless family gatherings on Christmas and other occasions that she spearheaded.
She was a devoted sports fan and would watch just about any event that came on TV. When not watching sports she was watching the political pundits and news to keep up with what was going on in the world.
She was a woman of very strong faith. When not able to attend church she watched mass and prayed the rosary daily. Her strong belief in God got her through some difficult times and gave her a very positive outlook on life. Through her faith, strength and positive attitude she fought and lived with cancer longer than anyone could have anticipated and was often referred to as, “Miracle Mary.”
Surviving Mary are her son Dr. James “Clai” (Holly) Calvin of Colorado Springs, CO, daughter Colleen (Doug) Kline of Denver, CO, son Timothy Calvin of Colorado Springs, CO, daughter Rashawna (Shannon) Cash of Cedar Park, TX; brothers Norm (Sandee) Konechne of Pierre, SD, Leonard (Linda) Konechne of Arvada, CO and Charles "Chuck" (Susie) Konechne of Slidell, LA; and sisters Karen (Dr. Jerry) Haskin of New Orleans, LA and Ann (Dennis) Richards of Kalamazoo, MI. She will also be missed by her grandchildren Ted, Chase, Luke, and Sophie Calvin and Cameron and Tyler Cash as well as many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her husband Dr. James Frank Calvin, her parents, a brother Raymond (Ruth) Konechne, a sister Marjorie (Terry) Todd, and a niece Michelle Konechne.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the American Cancer Society.