Mary Trevathan

Mary Anne (“Nan”) Trevathan died on a sunny afternoon on August 27th, 2024 at the age of 92 at home with her daughter and son-in-law in their home in Old Town, Longmont, Colorado.

Mary Anne (to some, “Nan”) was known for her concern for others, her softness for animals, her writing, her crocheting, her love of swimming, her late-in-life dedication to Yahtzee, and her unwavering commitment to doing the right thing. She was miserly in spending on herself and extravagant in her generosity towards everyone else.

Having never felt approved of by her mother, she worked hard to make others feel accepted. In her elder years, she established the mantra with her daughter: “I love you, I like you, I approve of you, and I feel fortunate.”

She was valedictorian and editor of the yearbook at Jamestown (New York) High School in 1950. She attended undergrad at Allegheny College and earned two Masters degrees: one in social work from University of Washington and one in English from University of Wyoming.

Though often perceived as timid- even by herself- Mary Anne lived courageously, often going against the expectations of society.

Highlights of her lifetime adventures include:

⁃ Moving in 1954 from the East Coast to rural Wyoming, sight unseen, to teach English. She had never been west of Chicago.

⁃ Joining the Quakers’ American Friends Society on a civil rights mission in Atlanta in the 1950s, where she was the only white woman living in the dorms at Spelman College.

⁃ Teaching English and learning to ride horses in ‘58 & ‘59 in Quito, Ecuador.

⁃ In her 60s, becoming a full time RVer, driving across Wyoming as she researched her book “More than Meets the Eye” and living for some time at “The Slabs” near Salton Sea.

She spent her final years living with Eryc Eyl (son-in-law) and Mare Trevathan (daughter).

She is survived, as well, by three step-daughters (Penny, Paula and Peggy) and their partners and progeny, all of whom were always kind to her. She outlived two life partners, both of whom she helped through their battles with cancer: William Larrick Trevathan and Lee Wyatt.

Memorials across multiple places that were special to her, with people who were special to her, will be held. Contact her daughter at MareTrevathan@gmail.com , if interested in attending or organizing.

In lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined please honor her memory with a donation to Doctors Without Borders or with an act of kindness.