October 18, 1953 – November 18, 2023
Mary Margaret “MM” O’Gara passed from this life on Nov. 18, 2023. During her 70 years, she surrounded those around her with love. Family, friends, neighbors and the people for whom she cared as a registered nurse will remember her caring spirit, delightful appreciation for goofiness, always honest approach, unshakeable strength when faced with adversity and immense passion for living.
Born on Oct. 18, 1953 at Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, California, MM was the sixth of eight children of Gerald and Elizabeth (Berrong) O’Gara. She grew up in southern California, living in the small community of Monrovia with her close-knit family. Sprinkled throughout the Los Angeles area were other family members — aunts, uncles and cousins — including her much-loved aunt, Margaret O’Gara.
Like her mother, MM pursued a career as a registered nurse. She earned her diploma from Los Angeles County College of Nursing followed by a bachelor of science in nursing from Mesa State University. During her nearly 40-year nursing career, MM cared for patients at Valley View Hospital and Aspen Valley Hospital, including managing the Intensive Care Unit, cardiac rehabilitation and creating one of the Valley’s first diabetes education centers. She retired from Aspen Valley Hospital in 2019.
In 1984, MM married Steve Standiford, the love of her life, at Steve’s family home in Escondido, California. Captivated by the beauty of the Glenwood Springs Canyon and the serenity of the Roaring Fork Valley, the couple soon settled in Carbondale. They spent the next four decades living up Prince Creek. MM loved hiking, camping and traveling the world. She was always called a “go-girl.”
In 1990, MM and Steve welcomed their beloved daughter, Shannon, to the world. She joined her parents on their adventures, traveling with them as they explored interesting places across the globe. MM was known for planning extraordinary vacations. Before Airbnb existed, she was locating rental apartments in New York and cottages in Ireland and meticulously organizing trips with family and friends.
Their love of community and music led the couple to create Steve’s Guitars in 1993. While Steve booked outstanding bands for the popular downtown Carbondale performance space, MM rolled out the hospitality. Her homemade cookies became a signature part of the Steve’s Guitars experience.
Called a “feisty Irish fighter” by her husband, MM lived with metastatic breast cancer for nearly 10 years, since December 2014. During that time, she continued to embrace life. As recent as July 2023, MM and Shannon spent a month exploring Portugal together.
The community is invited to a Celebration of Life for MM:
Saturday, June 22, 1 to 3pm
Sopris Park, Carbondale
MM is survived by her husband, Steve; daughter, Shannon; siblings, Sarah Ann, Patrick (Shirley), Hugh, Dan (Jan), Kevin, John (Diana) and Brian (Emma Jean). MM’s family also includes many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who loved her dearly.
Donations in memory of Mary Margaret O’Gara may be made to Epic Experience Beyond Cancer (www.coloradogives.org/story/Maryogara) or Pathfinders (www.pathfindersforyou.org/support-us).