Mary Jane Reyes Duran, 76, passed away October 30, 2023, after a long battle and uncommon and courageous
approach to cancer. She faced cancer on her own terms, the same way she faced her life.
She was born in Columbus, New Mexico, to Ignacio and Apolonia Parra Reyes. She was the oldest of six girls and
was a mother figure from time to time to her siblings. She grew up a railroad child and learned how to
interpret for her mother from a young age. She had a close relationship with her sisters.
She retired from Hill Air Force Base, Ogden, Utah, after a long career, receiving many accolades for her
accomplishments.
Mary faced many losses and heartbreak in her life. You would not know this by meeting her. She loved dancing,
singing, Betty Boop, watching her favorite television shows, social media, and going out to lunch or
dinner.
Mary had a special bond with each of her children who survive her, Vickie Sheldon, Teresa, Matthew, and Jeremy
Duran; her grandchildren, Alison Macke and Andre Duran- Nolte; son-in-law, Art Sheldon; and her friend,
Michael. She is also survived by her sisters, Linda Flores, Rita Rooks, Paula Reyes, Lupe Jones, and Virginia
Reyes; and many nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her two sons, Roger H. Duran and Alfredo
Ignacio Duran; her parents; two nieces; one nephew; one great-nephew; and one great-niece.
In lieu of flowers, Mary would like people to celebrate her by celebrating her life and yours.
Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church 4050 South 3900 West.
Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd., South Ogden. A celebration of
Mary’s 76 years of life will be held on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Tuscany Garden Reception Center in
Roy.