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Mary Looney Obituary

Looney
Mary Jane Looney
December 19, 1945
May 12, 2023

The Honorable Mary Jane Looney passed away on May 12 from complications stemming from Parkinson's. She is survived by husband, Charles Bordner (m. 1992), daughter, Lora Looney, son Erinn Looney-Triggs, granddaughter, Helen McDonald, brother, James Weatherly, stepdaughter and step son-in-law, Karen and Eric Brechner, stepdaughter, Julie Bordner, stepgrandsons, Alex Brechner and Peter Brechner, and cairn terrier dogs, Ella and Poppy. Born in Champaign, Illinois, she and her parents, Frank and Helen Weatherly, moved west to Colorado Springs when she was 16. After starting her own family, Jane graduated from the University of Denver in Anthropology with Phi Beta Kappa honors. Earning a J.D. from the University of Denver Law School in 1977, Jane founded The Legal Clinic in Colorado Springs, a family law practice with flat fees. Later, she became Teller County's judge and then she was appointed to the bench of Colorado's District 13 where she presided over several high-profile criminal trials. Also in District 13, at retirement in 2005, Jane had developed Colorado Springs' first drug court. On the bench, Judge Looney was known as a mentoring force. An avid listener, she had a quick wit and kind spirit. Dividing her time between Tarryall and Colorado Springs, at home Jane enjoyed watercoloring, creative writing, reading, raising huskies, hiking, giving house parties, and eating See's candies.

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Published by The Gazette from May 28 to May 29, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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Liz Richardson

May 19, 2024

Just letting Jane´s family know I am thinking about them on this one year anniversary of Jane´s death. Again, Jane was such a lovely person. I am thankful I have such fond memories of working for her at The Legal Clinic.

Liz Richardson

Tricia Mack

May 10, 2024

I just learned of Mary's passing and although this post is far from timely, I still wanted to express my deep sympathy to her family over her loss. I worked in the Legal Clinic after she became a judge, and as such had the privilege of continuing work on some of her cases. She was a wonderful advocate for her clients before becoming a judge. She cared about her clients deeply and was one of the kindest people I knew. I am very sorry she passed away.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Susan and Richard Toth

Planted Trees

Manny Chavez

June 23, 2023

Mary Jane fit the definition Honorable. I did witness her honor, kindness, empathy-love--and so much more attributes one could have throughout her life. She will be missed by all she touched. We will see you again-when you greet us in heaven. You will most certainly be there. Your friend always- Manny

Richard Toth

June 13, 2023

Division 5L

Tish Allen

June 13, 2023

So very sorry to learn Judge Looney has passed. I was her clerk during her tenure in Teller County. She was so very smart and considerate. Always considered all that was presented before her whether civil or criminal or juvenile case... My condolences to her family.

Robert N Byrne

May 28, 2023

I was sorry to hear of Judge Looney´s passing. I had many interactions with her during my time on the police department. I remember during a civil trial she made the statement that I had appeared before many times and that she thought me to be a highly credible witness. She was very kind with great temperament on the bench. Her family has much to be proud of in their time of sorrow. Rest in peace, Judge. You will not soon be forgotten.

R. Neil Byrne

Liz Richardson

May 28, 2023

I´m saddened to see that Jane has passed away. Jane was such a lovely lady. I have such fond memories of working for her at the Legal Clinic for many years in the 80´s. Can still see Lora and Erin running through the hallway. Jane was a class act. My condolences to her family.

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