Rosemary Iuppa, age 85, completed the last leg of her life journey on November 19, 2015 at home surrounded by her family.
She began her journey in Delagua, Colorado on October 27, 1930 as the baby daughter of Lucy (Deluca) and Pete Montera.
She spent her early years in Delagua growing up in a coal camp as a coalminer’s daughter. As she was to begin high school, her family moved to Trinidad. She graduated from Trinidad High School in 1948. Her early adult years were spent working as a secretary and later as a bank teller at Trinidad National Bank.
On June 10, 1951 she was united in marriage to James Iuppa. From this point forward she dedicated her life to creating a home which provided a strong foundation for raising a family. She was an excellent seamstress creating many of her own clothes and those of her daughters. Rosemary enjoyed cooking and baking, entertaining many family and friends at her table. The array of cookies she would bake for Christmas, daughters’ and granddaughters’ weddings were a work of art. In her later years always open to learning something new, she was introduced to quilting by her niece Carol Sola and went on to create beautiful heirlooms for her grandchildren.
Rosemary was a strong woman of faith. As a member of New Life Fellowship, she studied God’s word every day and applied His teachings to every aspect of her life. She was a prayer warrior with many family members calling on her in their time of need. Rosemary was courageous and bold in her witness of what her Lord Jesus had done in her life. Through her faith, she was victorious during her last trial of life as she grew even closer to Him.
She modeled the spirit of volunteerism for her daughters and others. While they were younger, she volunteered with PTA and Girl Scouts supporting their activities. Later, Rosemary served as a volunteer for the Colorado Welcome Center for 22 years contributing 9000+ hours helping visitors to Colorado become acquainted with the sites and events of her beloved state.
As Grandmother and Grami, she relished spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rosemary never missed a major life event from births and birthdays, to graduations and weddings. And there were many small moments in between dispensing wisdom about life’s journey.
Preceding her in death is husband, Jim, parents, Lucy and Pete Montera, and brother Charles.
She is survived by daughters LouAnn Dekleva (Joe) and Regina Ingram (Denny), grandchildren Cara McLean (Ed), Gregor Dekleva (Julia), Jaime Hinrichs (Matt) and Jenna Roe (Heath) and great grandchildren Delaney and Kallan McLean, Eli and Teegan Roe, and Addison Hinrichs, brother Frank Montera (Kendel) and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Christian Fellowship. Interment will follow at the Masonic Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Gregor Dekleva, Ed McLean, Heath Roe, Matt Hinrichs, Fred Sola and Dennis Montera.
In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests, donations be made to Sangre de Cristo Hospice, 328 Bonaventure Avenue, Suite C, Trinidad, CO 81082.
Arrangements made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home.
