Mary Helen (Rechtin) Colston

Mary Helen (Rechtin) Colston was born on March 10, 1941. She transitioned to eternity on February 16, 2021. 

Mary graduated from St. Henry High School in Erlanger, Kentucky. She went on to attend Villa Madonna College (now Thomas More College) in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. There, she earned her Bachelor's degree. She later graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she earned her Master's degree. Mary had a remarkable work ethic which she proved in many roles at a variety of organizations: Teacher (Navaho – Four Corners, Cincinnati – HS), Diner’s Club / Citicorp (’82 – ’83), Texas Instruments (’84 – ’85), Diocese of Fargo – Superintendent of Catholic Schools (’89 – ’91), St. Vincent Hospital, White Plains, NY – Public Relations, University of Cincinnati (’93 – ’95) – Development, Cincinnati Symphony (’96 – ’00) – Development, Habitat for Humanity  – Garland Director (’01 – ’02), and Lance Armstrong Foundation – Development Director (’03 – ’04). 

Mary met the love of her life, Donald Henry Colston. The two united in holy matrimony and nurtured and loved two sons, William Thomas Colston (1969 – 2011) and Daniel Vincent Colston (1971 – present). They remained united for 43.5 years until Donald's transition. 

Among many hobbies and interests, Mary delighted in music, art, plays, and symphonies. She also enjoyed dogs and gardening (xeriscaping). She was a faithful member St. Francis of Assisi in Frisco, Texas, where she was a part of the St. Francis of Assisi Empty Nesters and Funeral Meals Ministry. She was also a part of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Frisco, Texas, and an Honorary Order of Kentucky Colonel. 

Mary will be fondly remembered for her authentic, independent, courageus, and wise nature. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

She was predeceased by her brother, William Thomas Rechtin, in 1968; father, Thomas Richard Rechtin, in 1984; mother, Elsie Katherine (Ehling) Rechtin, in 1999; son, William Thomas Colston, in 2011; and husband, Donald Henry Colston, in 2012. Those left to cherish lasting memories include her son, Dan Colston; daughter-in-law, Julie Colston; grandchildren: Caitlin Elizabeth Colston, Delaney Grace Colston, Brennan Lawrence Colston, Noah Colston, and Ethan Colston; and other relatives and friends.