Tressa Mahy Mangum

Beatrice (Tressa) Mahy Mangum, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, at the age of 85. Tressa was born on September 5, 1939, at Peitaiho Beach, Hopei, China, to George Gordon Mahy Jr. and Helen Scott Mahy. Her parents were Presbyterian missionaries that came from a long line of Godly missionaries that served in China, India, and Korea. She spent her early childhood in China until the war in 1940 when her family moved to North Carolina. They were able to go back to China after the war. In 1949, they relocated to Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines, where they lived on the campus of Silliman University, where her father was professor and Minister. Tressa cherished her years in the Philippines and held the friendships she made there among the most precious of her life—many of which she maintained until her final days. After returning to the U.S. in 1956, she graduated from Princeton High School in Princeton, New Jersey. She earned her undergraduate degree at the College of Wooster in Ohio and later received her master’s degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, where she met the love of her life, Robert J. Mangum. They were married in Germany on December 31, 1964, and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year. Tressa and Rob began their married life as missionaries in Edea, Cameroon, West Africa, serving for two years before moving to Los Angeles, California, and later to Fresno, where Tressa gave birth to her children and embraced the role of a minister’s wife at the Presbyterian churches Rob pastored. Their ministry and life together took them on many adventures—from Raton, New Mexico, to Canon City, Colorado, to Wichita Falls, Texas—before they eventually settled in Greeley, Colorado, where they made their long-term home. Tressa worked at the University of Northern Colorado for over 20 years, first in the athletic department—where she became beloved for baking for the athletes and staff—and later in academic advising. She and Rob enjoyed attending UNC football, basketball, and volleyball games, where Tressa was occasionally invited to sing the National Anthem. Singing was a thread woven throughout Tressa’s entire life. From student music groups in the Philippines to college ensembles, and in every church choir tied to Rob’s ministries, she lifted her beautiful voice in praise and joy to God. Her children often found themselves left to their own devices in the pew—Dad in the pulpit, Mom in the choir loft. Fortunately, they were, by all accounts, perfect angels. (Guess who’s writing this obituary?) Tressa inherited her green thumb from her father, who was well known for his gardening skills. She loved to grow things—flowers, tomatoes, raspberries—and delighted in sharing the spoils of her garden with just about everyone: family, friends, neighbors, the kids walking by the house, the priest of her parish, and even the local fire department. Her talent didn’t stop at growing; she was also gifted at arranging flowers, and many people over the years were blessed by the beauty of the arrangements she created with care and love. Her generosity extended into all corners of her life. She liked to dry fruit to share with others, and she crocheted countless granny-square afghans for children, adults, and even pets. There’s one last blanket in progress, and she’s hoping Rob will learn to crochet, so he can finish it! Tressa was deeply devoted to her family and to her faith. A faithful prayer warrior, she held her loved ones—and many others—in prayer every night, lifting up their names with care and consistency. Her family always knew they were covered in her prayers and now feel inspired to carry on that mantle. Her trust in and love for God was the foundation of her life and shone through in all that she did. Whether through a handwritten letter or a moment of encouragement, Tressa had a gift for building others up in their faith. She loved talking with strangers and rarely passed up the chance to offer a quick word or a warm smile to someone who needed it. Tressa, Rob and daughter Beth entered the Catholic Church in 1996 and joined St. Mary Parish in Greeley, CO where Rob taught a Bible study which Tressa baked weekly treats for, and she also sang in the choir and tended the rose garden. Tressa is survived by her husband of over 60 years, Rob; her daughters Krista Griffin (Mike) and Heather Guy (Mike); and her grandchildren Anna Jordan (Jack), Julia Stein (Colin), Ella and Sophie Guy, and Drew Fiedler. She is also survived by her brother Ken Mahy (Jill) and her sister Carol, along with many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives she touched with her kindness, joy, and faith. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Bethany Mangum; her parents, G. Gordon and Helen Mahy; her brother Don Mahy; and her sister Helen Popsie Mahy. She taught us to pray, to sing, to grow tomatoes, and to love well. We’ll try to keep up. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23 All are invited to her funeral mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on September 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. The Recitation of the Rosary will be said at 1:30 p.m. prior to the funeral mass. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Mary’s Choir or the Daily Bread. ________________________________________

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Tressa Mahy Mangum

September 5, 1939 - August 29, 2025