Eleanor “Marie” Kalness was born October 15, 1940, the second of four daughters born to Cecil and Margaret (Elliott) Kalness. Marie grew up in the Miles City and Forsyth areas of Montana, attending Forsyth High School and graduating as Valedictorian in 1957.
Marie attended Gale Institute in Minneapolis, MN in hopes of becoming a Flight Attendant or working in the airline industry, but later chose to make her career with Tele-Communications, Inc. (“TCI”). Marie joined TCI in 1965 in Bozeman, MT and transferred to the corporate headquarters in Denver, CO in 1973. Marie retired as Vice President, Corporate Communications in 1999 after 34 years.
Marie was an accomplished pianist and an avid bowler for many years. She also loved her many inside animals as well as outside ones too. Watching the birds, deer and wildlife around her homes in Colorado was one of her favorite pastimes. All that knew her saw many pictures of both and heard entertaining stories to go along with.
Marie was a devoted Denver Broncos fan. She and her mother, Margaret, watched the games religiously each week. If the Broncos were having a rough game, she was known to leave the room and do something else in hopes that this would encourage them to play better. She never proved that this worked.
After retirement, Marie was actively involved in her niece Shannon’s auto racing team as well as a graphics design business in which she was a partner. More recently Marie had been actively involved with her great niece, Samantha. She was a common fixture at her school and extracurricular activities becoming well known to everyone as Samantha’s “Mimi”.
Marie died peacefully surrounded by family and friends early Wednesday morning, June 6, 2018 after a long battle with heart disease. She was 77 years old.
Marie is survived by her sister, Karen (Bob) Butscher of Centennial, CO; niece, Shannon Muir and great niece, Samantha Campbell of Parker, CO as well as her “adopted” nephew, Scott (Toni) Backman of Centennial, CO. Marie was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, two infant sisters, Arlene and Mary and recently her nephew, Jeff Campbell.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the following:
Porter Hospice at the Johnson’s Center, 5020 E. Arapahoe Road, Centennial, CO 80122 or to Hope for Paws 8950 W. Olympic Blvd. #525, Los Angeles, CA 90211 303-561-5100
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow at Custer County Cemetery. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Carol Bailey says
RIP dear friend. We had a lot of shared memories.
Renee Becker Kalfell says
Rest In Peace Aunt Marie…many of my fondest memories include you with Shannon and Samantha! ❤️
Pat Dewey Kouris says
Rest with Angels, Marie. I will always flondly remember the experiences we shared together at a formative time of our lives, being away from home for the first time. Although our life path took us separate ways, I still have some of the letters of our many years of corresponding. Am so grateful for our reunion in 2016.
Donna McAllister Deisher says
Rest in peace, Marie. You and your family were always there for me.
Vonnie Becker says
To the Family of Marie Kalness, Shannon, and Samantha,
Even though I did not know you personally, Marie, my heart goes out to your family, loved ones, and many friends during this difficult time. May you forever Rest in Peace …
Tony Hopson says
My heart hurts for everyone that got a chance to know this wonderful woman. She and her mother were the kindest and most loving people I have ever met. To Shannon and family , My thoughts and prayers are with you !!
Noel and Judy Blakesley says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Marie’s family so sorry for your loss.
Jeanie Reddy says
Am so sad to read of Marie’s passing. Many memories of our TCI days. We had fun going to lunch and dinner and just hanging out. You will be missed dear friend!
Jean Kimball Eyler says
Rest is heavenly peace my friend. You were there for so many important moments in my life. Will miss you beyond words.
mike grover says
Marie,
You always solved all the solvable problems at TCI and WTCI. I wish you were around right now, still running the employee stock program. All things must pass I guess. I only knew you by phone, but you were always nice.
Barbara Vallentine says
I was thinking about you today and looked you up and found that you with the Lord. We had some great times at WTCI and TCI. RIP dear friend
Barbara says
Sad to hear that you are with the Lord RIP my friend