February 25, 1940 – April 25, 2026

Glenwood Springs, Colo. – Mary Lee (Haug) Riciputi died Saturday, April 25 in Glenwood Springs, Colo. She was an inspirational, joy-filled, and devoted mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother as well as teacher and friend to many.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years Remo “Ray” Riciputi and is survived by three sons, Joel of Mountain View, Calif., Lee of Glenwood Springs, Colo., Paul of Snowmass Village, Colo.; four brothers, Jerry, John, Robert, and Ed; five grandchildren, Shaina, Eliana, Talya, Ciara, and Aidan; nieces and nephews Chris, Jenny, Gary, Gwen, Greta, Mary Beth, Ann Marie, Peter, Tim, Jessica, Roxanne, and Tony; first cousin Sharon Mack and many other cousins.

She was born February 25, 1940 in Dearborn, Michigan to Leo and Magdalen Haug. Raised on a small farm in Plymouth, MI, her childhood was a blend of outdoor adventures, music, and art, set against the backdrop of affectionate teasing from her younger brothers. She went on to get her undergraduate degree in theater from Eastern Michigan University, meeting Ray while he was at the University of Michigan nearby. They married in September of 1962.

After their first son Lee was born, they moved east to Maine. Mary Lee founded and ran a pre-school and went on to teach in the Gorham schools and then in Westbrook for many years after receiving her Master of Education. She was passionate about supporting students of all abilities as a special education and gifted/talented teacher. She also taught piano to students at their home.

In addition to teaching, Mary Lee was active in her church community, local politics, social causes, and both district and state education programs. She and Ray raised their three sons in Maine, primarily in Standish. Mary Lee took after her mother and loved travel, including trips they took together to Scotland and Kenya. She wouldn’t hesitate to pack up the car and the three boys, and head off for an adventure or visit. She was also heavily involved in music and passed this along to her sons who took up voice, piano, violin, guitar and trombone with her enthusiastic support.

Mary Lee and Ray moved to the Knoxville, Tenn. area when their first grandchildren came on the scene and she continued to teach for several years. Upon retirement they often traveled to see grandchildren and family in California, Maine, Michigan, Colorado, Georgia, and Indiana. Mary Lee enjoyed individual travel as well including an art history trip to Italy and numerous regional excursions.

She was an inspiration to her sons, family, and everyone that had the opportunity to interact with her, from the many students she positively impacted to the care and hospice staff near the end of her life. She leaves us with a wealth of happy memories and touched countless lives in a profound way.

Memorial services to be announced. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.