Martha Meshak

Martha Ann Meshak passed peacefully in her home on January 22, in the loving company of her husband Mark Holm, sister Sarah Meshak and dogs, Bali and Thor. In death, as in life, Martha was both graceful and determined in her battle against esophageal cancer. Martha is preceded in death by her father Len Meshak, mother Doris Meshak, and dogs, Hazel, Kayla, and Henry. She is survived by Mark and Sarah (Paul Hauser), much-loved nephew Matthew Hauser, aunt Mona Gieschen, and abundant dear friends, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Martha began her life in Madison, Wisconsin and spent her early childhood in Raleigh, North Carolina, where her love of animals, especially dogs, was ignited. In late grade school, the family moved to Colorado and Martha become a Coloradan for the rest of her life. Martha graduated from Littleton High School and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Martha began her professional life as a receptionist at Boulder’s first all-female law firm and went on to become an exceptional paralegal, working for several local firms. Martha found her true career passion, however, in using her paralegal skills, practicality and deep compassion as a fiduciary for the elderly and disabled. Founder of Elder Resources, she later joined forces with Tara Allgood (Daniel Zajac) of Allgood Legal and Fiduciary Services and provided fiduciary services in the community for over 25 years in total.

Martha married the love of her life, Mark, in 1997. Their honeymoon on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon was the beginning of a life of shared adventures, laughter, profound friendship, and love. Martha was blessed by the unwavering devotion of Mark, and she in turn blessed him with her zest for life. They nurtured each other with their love and their own unique brand of humor.

Martha’s life was notable for both how she lived it and what she gave to the world and to those who had the honor to know her. Martha loved life and all things living. She could make anything grow and found both peace and fulfillment playing in the dirt. She loved being outdoors, floating down a river or hiking in the mountains and the desert. Martha was a devoted wife, sister, aunt and niece and a fiercely loyal friend. She had a wicked sense of humor and the sharpest of wits. She was a devotee of the cinema and a ruthless scrabble player. Throughout her journey and even in her suffering, Martha chose to be happy, and in doing so, infused her world and those who knew her with joy. Her laugh was infectious and she shared it freely.

Martha had great insight and intelligence and could organize and synthesize information with ease to accomplish what was important in every matter. Martha was not just a fiduciary to her clients. She was their advocate, friend and provider of tough love. Martha made a true difference in the professional work she did and served as a model for fiduciary services provided with heart.

Martha gave generously of her wisdom, spunk, grace, and love.  Many lives are emptier with the profound loss of Martha, but she will always remain in our hearts and be an inspiration by the way she lived her life to the fullest, with compassion for herself and all.

A Celebration of Life will be held in June. Details to follow. Memorial donations may be made to Courageous Women, Fearless Living (CWFL.org) or The Boulder Hospice Foundation (theboulderhospice.com).