MARY GATELY
September 30, 1960 – March 18, 2025
Preceded in death by: her mother, Norah Redpath Gately, and her father Hugh "Frank"
Gately. She is survived by two sisters, Kathleen Gately and husband Steve Despot, of
Boise, ID; and Nora Gately and husband Sam Sanchez, of Amarillo, TX; and her brother
Martin Gately and wife Terri of Amarillo, TX. Mary is survived by three nieces, three
great-nieces and two great-nephews – Bridget Garza and husband Nick and son Milez;
Megan McCay and husband Andrew and daughters Marina and Ella; and Erin Elizondo
and husband Tayler and son Bridger and daughter Elise. Mary is also survived by
aunts, uncles and many cousins in Ireland and England.
Mary was born on September 30, 1960, in Jersey City, NJ to Norah Marina and Hugh
"Frank" Gately. The family later moved to Landing, NJ. In September 1970, the family
moved to McLean, TX. Mary graduated high school from Wheeler Christian Academy
in 1978 and moved to Plainview, TX. After a few years, Mary moved to Broken Arrow,
OK and graduated from Rhema Bible Training Academy in 1982.
In 1983-1984, Mary lived in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland and then lived a short time
in England. While in Ireland, Mary visited family in Scotland. Mary moved to Denver,
CO where she resided for close to 35 years. She was active with The Rocky Mountain
Hike & Bike Club where she hiked, biked and white water rafted. Mary biked all over
the Denver metro area with the assistance of the bus and train routes when needed.
Mary loved swimming and going to hot springs throughout Colorado. The last four
years of Mary's life were spent in Claude and Amarillo, TX.
Mary had a giving spirit and volunteered her talents by reading books that were
recorded for books for the blind. She also adored children and animals, so much so
that she volunteered in the nursery and pre-K class of her church. Mary volunteered at
the Doggie Dude Ranch and the O'Cat Corral helping with kenneled cats and dogs, and
she also provided pet sitting services. During the holidays, Mary served many a hot
meal to the needy. There was a time she gave the coat off her back to a woman in
need. Mary was first runner-up for a Purina Cat Chow commercial along with her cat,
Tanner, whom she adopted after he was rescued in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and relocated from New Orleans to the Denver Metroplex. Mary had beautiful, thick and wavy hair and was a hair model for a cosmetology school in Denver.
Mary had a multi-faceted career working in the food industry, in engineering/construction as a secretary, and worked a short time with the United
States Postal Service. Mary truly had a heart of gold and was known for her warm
smile and hearty laugh. She was always up for a good joke. Mary had faith in Jesus
and her love and positivity will forever remain with those who were blessed to have
known her.
The family wishes to send their heartfelt appreciation to Jill Benson and the staff of
The Hudson House in Claude, TX and to the Memory Care staff at The Craig Senior
Living in Amarillo, TX.
A memorial service for Mary will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at
The Craig Senior Living – Chapel at 5500 SW 9th Avenue, Amarillo, TX 79106 at (806) 352-
7244 with Patrick Six, Chaplain presiding.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Mary's memory to the Doggie Dude Ranch & the
O'Cat Corral by calling (303) 366-2498.