Marjorie Sloan OBITUARY

Marjorie Sloan OBITUARY

Marjorie Nilson Sloan, beloved mother and civic leader, passed away on July 15, 2025 at age 80, leaving behind a loving family and a transformed community. Marjorie’s life was defined by justice, community, and love.

She began her career educating underprivileged children in West Virginia and South Carolina. She was awarded teacher of the year at Jackson Elementary school in Camden SC in 1968.

While still raising her family, Marjorie entered law school and graduated from the University of Colorado law school in 1986. She then clerked for the Chief Justice of The Colorado Supreme Court. As a litigating partner in the Denver office of the Baker and Hostetler firm, she established a reputation as a well-respected lawyer, defending the Rocky Mountain News in a landmark free speech case. She later joined the staff counsel of the US Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, where she excelled at analyzing complex immigration issues before the court.

Margie and her family moved to Golden, Colorado in 1975. She worked tirelessly on behalf of Golden with roles as Planning Commission Chair, Foothills Art Center Board President, and Golden Urban Renewal Authority board member and Golden City Councillor.

She was elected the 37th mayor of Golden in 2011 and re-elected in 2015. During her term as mayor, Golden transformed into a vibrant tourist destination. Her leadership prevented the construction of the Denver Beltway from cleaving Golden, protecting the town from traffic and urban sprawl. In 2012 the New York Times described her work against the Beltway as “David with a sling, bringing down a giant.” Mayor Margie championed sustainable urban planning, revitalizing the clear creek corridor and the US6 and 19th avenue interchange. In September 2012, she welcomed President Barack Obama at a campaign rally in Golden. A passionate advocate for gun control, she served as chair of Colorado Mayors Against Illegal Guns, where she helped pass measures to close loopholes in background checks for gun purchases. After serving as mayor, she was elected to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) board.

As a dedicated supporter of maximizing educational opportunities for everyone, her philanthropy established The Sloan Family Scholarship in Public Service at Red Rocks Community College. She enjoyed reviewing applications every year.

She is survived by her loving husband Earle Dendy Sloan, Jr., brother Carl Nilson, sister Nancy Saegel, her sons Earle Dendy Sloan III (Trey) and his wife Tracy, John Mark Sloan and his wife Karin, and her beloved grandchildren, Meghan Sloan and James Ryan Sloan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Sloan Family Scholarship at Red Rocks Community College Foundation. You can make contributions at www.coloradogives.org/donate/rrccfoundation (specify the Sloan Family Scholarship in special instructions) or by mail to Red Rocks Community College Foundation, 13300 W. Sixth Ave., Lakewood, CO 80228.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at 10am on August 2, 2025 at the Golden Community Center (1470 10th St Golden CO). All who knew and loved Marjorie are welcome to attend.