Waltressa Molsberry

Waltressa Ann "Wally" Molsberry of Boulder, Colorado died peacefully in her sleep on March 11, 2025 of ovarian cancer.

Wally was born on January 26, 1937 in Postville, Iowa to the late H. Ralph Allen and Edith Wheaton Allen. At age 9 Wally, & the family moved to Madison, Wisconsin where she later attended Madison West High School. Wally was an enthusiastic thespian, had many prominent roles in the school plays, and was selected Class Salutatorian by her classmates.

Wally went on to graduate with honors from Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin where she earned academic honors every year and, in recognition of her scholastic excellence, was admitted to Phi Beta Kappa. Wally was elected president of her sorority (Pi Beta Phi) and, by campus-wide votes, Wally was elected as both a "Campus Star" and "Best Loved". During her senior year at Lawrence, Wally married Daniel Molsberry and they began a family, having 4 children. In 1969 the family moved to California, the marriage came to an end & Wally raised her 4 children as a single mother. She did this like everything she did, with wisdom, courage, strength, and never-ending love.

During this time, Wally managed the State of California's Social Services office in Palo Alto. It was, the most satisfying professional experience of her life. She created and maintained an exceptionally supportive and collaborative work environment which gave rise to dear friendships that lasted through the remainder of her life. She also worked for years as a technical writer.

In 1982 Wally began the most spectacular and enduring love and life partnership with John McCracken. Together, they enjoyed their years honoring their love of nature, camping, hiking, raising kids, reading, being involved community members & supporting each other at every turn. In 1995, their lives took an adventurous turn & they moved to Colorado and bought Annie's Cafe & bakery in Nederland, CO. This quickly became a beloved community gathering place and they met so many special people. Wally also enjoyed creating art that she never had time for earlier in life.

Throughout her life, Wally's mission was to maximize the extent to which people gave and received love. In short, she was the kind of person throughout her life that brought the best out in everyone she touched. Wally often said what a wonderful life she has had & hopes that we will all carry on her spirit with kindness, courage, strength, love & that smile that still lights up our lives.

Wally was predeceased by her husband and love of her life, John McCracken.

She is survived by her four children: Christy Godinez (& Ramon); Tania Molsberry; John Molsberry (& Anne); and Susan Bernart (& John). Wally leaves 6 grandchildren: Alicia, Tomas, Raymond, Corinne, Tatiana and Caitlin. And 5 great grandchildren: Aden, Ethan, Trent, Cynthia, & Jade & 2 great-great grandchildren Jesse & Juniper.

Wally is also survived by her brother, Stuart "Monte" Allen, wife Sara, son Michael, his wife Caroline and their son/grand nephew Gregory. Also, John's son Chris, Victoria, Amanda & Taylor.

Waltressa was such a family oriented person & this seems like a long list, but does not discount the long list of friends she has always had & how much she loved each & everyone of them too.