Mary K Maday

Mary K. Maday, a woman of remarkable spirit and unyielding resolve, passed peacefully in her sleep at 5 AM September 16, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Born on February 11, 1942, in Frenchton, West Virginia, Mary carved out a legacy both in her professional endeavors and her personal passions.

During her career as a paralegal, Mary lent her expertise to esteemed legal professionals across Michigan, Colorado, and Wyoming, most notably for Ray Hunkins. Her talents and fierce dedication to her work exemplified her belief in justice and advocacy, principles that resonated deeply within her character.

Beyond her professional life, Mary was an extraordinary cook whose presence filled homes with warmth and the delightful aroma of elaborate meals. The holiday seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas were always joyous occasions under her roof, celebrated with love and laughter shared amongst family and friends.

Mary's personality was as vibrant as her cooking; she was known to live life on her own terms, outspoken, and unwavering in her beliefs. She embraced her role as a devoted animal advocate in Wyoming, dedicating herself to the rescue of stray cats and being an integral part of the black-footed ferret reintroduction program, contributing tirelessly to bring these majestic creatures back from the brink of extinction.

Her love for animals extended to her cherished ferrets and cats, who filled her life with joy and companionship. Additionally, Mary expressed her artistic side through her painting, a passion that allowed her to pour her soul into every brushstroke.

Mary's greatest pride, perhaps, lay in her family. She is survived by her sister, Karen Krot,  daughter, Erika Schadler, and son-in-law, James Schadler, as well as her adored grandchildren, Matthew Coakley and Wendy Schadler.

Mary's journey will forever be a tapestry woven with her relentless love for animals, her culinary prowess, and her devotion to her family. She is preceded in death by her beloved brother, Jack Smith, her mother, Martha Smith, and her step-father, Robert Smith.

As we remember Mary K. Maday, let us celebrate a life lived with purpose and passion, a true matriarch who defined her existence through her bonds with those she loved and the causes she championed. Her voice will echo in the hearts of many, a resonant reminder of the strength and fiery spirit that she embodied until the very end.