December 25, 1946 – January 9, 2025

Mary Jo Derkash died peacefully at home with family on January 9th, 2025.

Mary Jo was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver to Richard and Chris Morgan while her dad was serving his internship. She grew up in Denver with her six siblings. She had fond memories of her youth participating on the Columbine Country Club’s swim and golf teams.

After graduating from St. Mary’s Academy, where she was class president and number 3 in her class, she went on to the University of Colorado where she earned her BS in Business Administration. In her junior year, she met the “love of her life”, Robert. They were married in San Francisco shortly after she graduated.

During Bob’s medical school, internship, and orthopedic residency, they moved from Hartford to Cleveland to San Francisco. In the middle, there was a two-year hiatus with the Alaska Native Health Service in Sitka, Alaska. Justin and Tanya were Alaska babies, and she became a full-time Mom.

In 1979, Bob and MJ made their final move to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to raise their soon-to-be four children. MJ loved “small town” living and quickly became part of the church and school community. She was 100% committed to her family and never missed a piano recital, swim meet, or ski race. She would always help the teachers out in school. Her greatest joy was watching her kids’ accomplishments.

MJ was actively involved in the church choir at St. Stephens Catholic Church, where she played the piano for many years. In addition to her children and family, the church choir brought her great joy.

She is preceded in death by her parents and two siblings (Richard Jr. and Bernie). She is survived by her husband, Robert, their four children, and nine grandchildren. They are Justin (Kobby) and Noah, Reika, Maeve; Tanya and Wren; Brian (Bridget) and August, Fischer, Dax; Kevin (Justin) and Ella, Avery. She is also survived by four siblings, Barb (Rick), Kathy, Cindy (Tom), and Ann (Art), as well as four close cousins, Linda, Paul, Tom, and Tim.

After several years of failing health and memory, she was able to stay at home (her desire) until her death due mainly to the care of Emily Sullivan.

She was most happy in church and raising her children. Her funeral celebration will be at St. Stephens Catholic Church on Thursday, Jan. 16th at 11 am.