Mary Catherine Whisler

Mary Kay Whisler of Boulder passed away on January 5, 2024, peacefully at her home. She was 88.

The daughter of Clifford and Eva Rafferty, she was born on March 6, 1935, in Boulder, Colorado. Mary Kay graduated from Boulder High School in 1953. She was her school’s reunion coordinator and scrapbook maker. She attended Cottey College in Nevada, MO where she met and married Wayne Whisler. Mary Kay was a secretary for the Boulder Valley Education Association for 30 years. She was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where she participated in Daughter’s of the King and Alter guild. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and PEO chapter CZ. She was also a long-time volunteer for the Boulder Community Hospital gift shop. Mary Kay loved life and the Colorado Buffaloes. She and Wayne had season tickets to football and basketball games. She was a member of the Buffalo Belles for many years. She enjoyed time spent with her family in the mountains and the beach. Reunions with the current family were something she looked forward to. She and her dad were part of the Roamers RV group and enjoyed traveling. A trip to Ireland to find the burial of her grandparents was a highlight for her and her dad. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, and her weekly breakfast at Great Scotts with her friends.

Survivors include her daughters Deanna Whisler of Boulder, Kathy Graumann (David) of Baltimore, Maryland, her brother William Rafferty (Kay) of Spokane, Washington; niece Cathleen and nephew Will (Michelle) of Washington; grandchildren Taylor Roop Herrera of Westminster, Max Graumann of Annapolis, Maryland, and Emily Graumann of Charlotte, North Carolina. Four great grandchildren, Tyler, Evalynn, Ariel, and Cyrus also survive her. She is preceded in death by her husband Wayne and her daughter Cherie Roop. A memorial will take place on Saturday, February 17, at 10:00 AM at St. John’s Episcopal Church 1419 Pine Street, Bouder Colorado with a private interment this summer. Contributions may be made to Tru Hospice 2594 Trail Ridge Drive East, Lafayette, Colorado 80026; Windhorse Eldercare, 2299 Pearl St. #105 Boulder Colorado, as well as St. John’s Episcopal Church, Boulder.