Left Hand Laurel Mary Coonce

Mary Coonce is a cherished figure in Niwot widely known for her role as co-owner of Porchfront Homes, which has been involved in many community projects, and her own extensive community involvement. For her volunteer efforts in the community, Coonce is the November Left Hand Laurel recipient.

Coonce's dedication to Niwot includes service as the Niwot Business Association (NBA) treasurer for seven of the 11 years she has been a member. She also serves as the treasurer for the Local Improvement District (LID) Advisory Committee, a role she took over several years ago. In addition, Coonce is part of the Niwot Future League (NFL), which provides direction to the NBA's community administrator.

She is deeply committed to her community through other volunteer roles as well, including Rock & Rails, where she has been both a volunteer and sponsor for five years, serving adult beverages and contributing to the event's success.

Coonce has also served as a co-champion of the NBA's Lobsterfest event with Deborah Fowler and Linda Klueber for the last four years, which has helped raise funds for Niwot Youth Sports, Marshall Fire victims, the Niwot Cultural Arts Association, and the Left Hand Grange (now Niwot Hall).

Coonce said she most enjoys the "interaction with the people in the community" as part of her volunteer efforts. She believes, "If you want a strong sense of community, just volunteer in Niwot."

Coonce co-owns Porchfront Homes with her husband, Tim Coonce, where she also fills the role of finance and business manager. Porchfront Homes, a home building and remodeling company, built The Depot at Whistle Stop Park in 2020, providing a dedicated space for serving beverages at Rock & Rails as well as other community events. Porchfront Homes also finished construction of the Niwot parking lot. "Tim and Mary stepped up at the end of the project when we encountered problems with the original contractor," recalled NBA member Bruce Warren, who was involved with the project.

Coonce moved to Colorado in 1991. She later discovered Niwot on a bike ride from Boulder and "was immediately attracted to the small town charm," as she put it. She and her husband moved to Niwot in 2012 with Porchfront Homes following the next year.

Coonce said, "When we moved our business to Niwot, I wanted to be involved in the business community," which led her to join the NBA. She values the tight-knit community and the support the businesses provide each other.

Coonce's volunteerism didn't begin in Niwot. She was also an active volunteer at Attention Homes (now TGTHR) and Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center before moving to Niwot.

Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Coonce enjoys spending time with her family, including her grandchildren, and engaging in activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors with her dog.

Coonce comes from a large family with several siblings in Colorado. Both of her sons have returned to live in the area, one of whom is married with two daughters. Mary and Tim Coonce have been married for 46 years.

Coonce's dedication to her community and the many roles she undertakes highlight her as a pillar of commitment in Niwot. Her enthusiasm and volunteer spirit truly make Niwot a stronger community.