Mary Jane

Addison

Mary Jane Addison, born Mary Jane Nissly, 87, of Castle Pines, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 25, 2026. In the days and final hours of her life, she was surrounded by her loving children and Richard “Dick” Addison, her devoted husband.

Mary Jane, often affectionately known as “Mer” to close family and friends, was born on August 4, 1939, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Arthur and Mary Nissly and grew up with her older brother, Bob. Active and full of life, she developed an early love of ballet, eventually advancing to pointe. At Roosevelt High School, she was a cheerleader and synchronized swimmer. She later attended the University of Michigan, where she joined Kappa Kappa Gamma and the “MichiFins” synchronized swimming team. It was there that she began dating Dick Addison, and it was here, the two would become engaged.

On December 30, 1961, Mary Jane married the love of her life. Their marriage would span nearly 65 years and become the foundation of the family they built together.

After spending their early married years in Michigan, Mary Jane and Dick moved to Richardson, Texas, where they raised their family and formed lifelong friendships with neighbors and friends who became like family. She was also active in the Catholic Church at St. Mark’s Parish, where she prepared meals for the priests which she did for two years. Later, Mary Jane and Dick moved to Castle Pines, Colorado.

An avid sports fan, Mary Jane loved college football and proudly cheered on her U of M Wolverines. She also came to love Colorado sports, rooting for CU, the Denver Broncos, Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche.

Above all, Mary Jane will be remembered for the extraordinary way she loved and cared for others. She always put other first. She had a rare gift for making people feel valued and cared for and was one of the kindest, most loving and giving people you could ever know.

One of Mary Jane’s ways of making family and friends feel loved was often through cooking and baking. Whether it was Christmas, which she dearly loved, a birthday, or simply an ordinary day together, she made every occasion feel special. She lovingly prepared everyone’s favorite dishes and making sure no one left her home without a full belly and a full heart.

Mary Jane had an extraordinary gift for making others feel remembered. She never missed a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion and always seemed to have just the right card, whether for a major milestone or one of life’s smaller moments. No moment was too small, and no one was ever forgotten. Through this thoughtful tradition, she reminded family and friends just how much they meant to her.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful reflections of the life Mary Jane lived was the love that surrounded her and Dick during their final years together at Legacy Village, the senior living community they came to call home. She was adored by both staff and fellow residents. The warmth and affection she received was a testament to the way she lived; making others feel special, cared for, and loved.

Mary Jane was a devoted wife and mother, a beloved grandma and great-grandmother. The family she and Dick created was one of her greatest joys, and her love and traditions will live on through them for generations to come.

Mary Jane is survived by her beloved husband, Dick Addison; her four children, and their spouses; Jim Addison (Meg); Kathy Jicha (Dave); Mary Beth Addison; and Gretchen O’Brien (Todd); as well as her 11 grandchildren; Melanie, Sarah, Ryan, Megan, Emma, Alex, Ashley, Jack, Nick, Ben and Brady and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was loved beyond measure and will be missed more than words can express. While our hearts are broken by her absence, we are profoundly grateful for the life she lived, the love she gave so freely, and the countless memories she created for all of us. We find comfort in knowing she was welcomed home to the Lord and is at peace.

Mary Jane’s family will gather at Legacy Village on December 30th, 2026 to celebrate and honor her life with those who loved her so dearly.

May she rest in eternal peace until the day we are blessed to be together again.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

1 Corinthians 13:13