Obituary of Marta Garay

Marta Emiliana Algermissen Garay Mella began a new life with God on September 11, 2019. Born on January 5, 1941, in Santiago, Chile, to Marta del Carmen Mella Cornejo and Santiago Garay Carrasco, she is survived by her husband, Peter DeBlois; son, Carl Algermissen; daughter-in-law, Jacqueline; grandson, James; and sister, Sylvia Sanchez. On Peter’s side, she is remembered by his daughters Geneviève, Danielle, and Adrienne. Marta took great joy in telling stories of her childhood in Chile, of time spent with her aunt Tula on the family farm in Nancagua, of her devotion to her father and mother, and of the wonders of all things Chilean. A natural at languages, she discovered English early on and it became a lifelong passion. Following her studies at the Universidad de Buenos Aires and at the Universidad de Chile, where she earned her undergraduate degree, she moved to the United States and traveled the globe as a stewardess for Pan American World Airways. It was on a flight to Rome that she met Ted Algermissen, her future husband. After marrying Ted and giving birth to their son, Carl (‘Carlitos’ to her), the young family established themselves in Colorado. Above all else, Marta was dedicated to her family. While raising a young son, she earned M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Spanish at the University of Colorado, somehow always finding time to support her son by volunteering at school and encouraging his piano and vocal studies. Her love of teaching led to a career that touched thousands of students in high schools, colleges and universities. She taught Spanish and French at the University of Colorado, Smoky Hill High School, Overland High School, Mullen High School, Aurora Community College, Metropolitan State College, and Front Range Community College. She was also a wonderful cook and delighted family and friends with her delicious Chilean dishes. After her marriage to Ted ended, she left Colorado in 1990 to teach at Mansfield University in Pennsylvania, where she earned tenure and promotion to full professor. She published a book of original poetry, A Flor de Mujer. While living in Pennsylvania, she also did volunteer work to help the visually impaired experience art, and served as a literacy volunteer. She met Peter DeBlois at a concert at Cornell University. It was to be the first of countless shared musical experiences. They were married in 1997. Marta and Peter moved back to Colorado in 2001 and lived in Erie in a home she dearly loved for its location next to a lake with views of the mountains. There, she took joy in frequent visits by geese who considered that lake to be home. She loved the arts and being outdoors, and continued her volunteer activities with many organizations that she held dear, including serving as a docent for children at the Denver Art Museum. In addition to time with Carl and his family, she immersed herself in literature, opera, symphony, choral music, theater, and art. In 2006, she became Abuelita to James, whom she called ‘Santiaguito.’ She adored him and took great joy in watching him grow, playing with him, teaching him, and delighting in every moment spent together. In 2012, Marta and Peter moved to the Wind Crest community in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, where they were active in Reader’s Theater and the Drumming Circle. When listening to music, she would tend to get up and dance, tap her fingers, or “air conduct.” She was a devoted supporter of the arts. She especially loved hearing her son Carl and grandson James play piano. Anyone who knew Marta would become energized by her infectious smile, which was often accompanied with wonderful laughter. Her energetic spirit and passion for life were inspiring to all. Marta’s wings have taken her to a new life, but those wings will flutter in our hearts siempre. Gracias a Dios por haber compartido su vida y inmenso amor con nosotros. Thanks to God for having shared her life and immense love with us.