Mary Eleanor Cira, “Eleanor,” 94, passed away at home on December 26, 2017 in Pueblo, CO. Mary Eleanor, daughter of Elmer Kurt and Minnie Murray-Kurt, was born in Monticello, IA on June 12, 1923.  She graduated from Marion High School (Marion, IA) in June of 1942.  Mary Eleanor worked at her future father in-law’s grocery store in Marion, IA during high school and subsequently did her part to contribute to the WWII effort serving as a machinist.  On October 5, 1944 Mary Eleanor married Michael A. Cira at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (Marion, IA) and they went on to enjoy 68 years together.  Mary Eleanor is survived by her children Mary Patricia and Joseph A. Giordano; Robert C. Cira of Pueblo, CO; Stephen M. Cira of Arvada, CO; Martin P. and Darcy R. Cira; Michael B. and Cindy E. Cira of Pueblo, CO; and her grandchildren Dr. Anthony J. Giordano of Beaverton, OR; Meghan P. Cira, Michael C. Cira, Matthew M. Cira; and Abbey R. Cira of Pueblo, CO.  She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Anna Pusateri and Leah Cira of Cedar Rapids, IA; special cousin Sheila Seigel and her family of Marion, IA; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, godchildren, and cousins. Mary Eleanor and Mike Cira relocated from Iowa to Pueblo in 1948 at the invitation of Mary Eleanor’s uncle Father Charles J. Murray, SJ.  While living in Pueblo, Mary Eleanor was extremely active in Church and school activities including serving as President of the PTA, the Altar and Rosary Society, and the Parish Council at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish and School.  Because of Mary Eleanor’s love and dedication to the Catholic Church and community she served as Diocesan Council of Catholic Women president, Pueblo Diocese Representative to the National Council of Catholic Women (affording her the opportunity to meet Saint Teresa of Calcutta), and served on the board of directors for the National Council of Catholic Laity. She enjoyed revitalizing Catholic education in Pueblo by assisting Sr. Liguori Sullivan, OSB; Monsignor George Holland; and John J. Keilbach in starting St. John Neumann Catholic School and served as Saint John Neumann’s first school board president.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Help of Christians Catholic Church, 307 E. Mesa Ave, Pueblo, CO, 81006 on Wednesday January 3 at 10 AM with Rev. Ben Bacino as celebrant. Interment Imperial Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks for Mary Eleanor’s loving caretakers Laurel Stockton and Dawn Algien as well as the team from Sangre de Cristo Hospice: Ellie, Annette, Liz, Diane, and Chaplain Monty. Donations may be made in Mary Eleanor’s name through Angelus Chapel or directly to Saint John Neumann Catholic School or Sangre de Cristo Hospice (Pueblo, CO).

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