Anna Belle Duran, age 78, went to be our Lord Jesus on July 28, 2021, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a resident of Colorado Springs for the past three years and was formerly a resident of Trinidad, Colorado.
Anna was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Donald Valdez, sister Martha Lamorie, bother George Martinez.
Anna was born on December 19, 1942 to Paul Morel and Beatrice Martinez in Trinidad, CO. She graduated from Trinidad High School and earned her nursing degree from Trinidad State Junior College. Anna worked as an LPN at Mt. San Rafael Hospital in Trinidad.
Anna married Donald Valdez in January of 1964. She continued her career as a nurse in Kansas and California until they returned to Trinidad to raise their daughter, Monica in 1972. Anna returned to Mt San Rafael Hospital where she worked until 1983. Anna was a Girl Scout Leader in the Sangre de Cristo Council for 10 years (1977-1987) and mentored many young girls during that time. Anna and Onie Duran were married Aug 20, 2006. Their home in Starkville was always open – a fresh pot of coffee and a warm smile awaited their friends and family. Anna was a huge supporter of the Fishers Peak Volunteer Fire Department and was always volunteering to provide a meal for them. Anna and her husband Onie lived in Starkville, CO until 2018 when they moved to Colorado Springs to be closer to her daughter and granddaughters. Anna had many hobbies and enjoyed canning, jelly making and cooking – perfecting many unique recipes. She delighted in camping, fishing and being in the outdoors of Colorado. Anna was truly the knowledge archives of the family, remembering every extended family members’ birthdays, anniversaries and always willing to share stories of the adventures of the Fernandez Uncles. Anna shared our family history to ensure that we can keep treasured memories alive.
Anna is survived her husband, Onie Duran; her daughter, Monica (David) Kowalski; three grandchildren, Britany (Jacob) Kowalski, Kiana and Natalie Kowalski; her brother, Dennis (Cathy) Martinez; her sister, Gerri (Chuck) Garcia; sister Myra Gutierrez; stepson Mike (Shirley & Michael) Duran, in-laws Julia (Ernie) Trujillo, Mary Apodaca, and Daniel ( Virginia) Duran, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Anna’s outgoing personality, sense of humor and sharp wit allowed her to connect with so many almost instantly. She had many sayings that made all of us feel special. She loved her family “With all her heart” and we will miss her will all our of hearts forever.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Comi Funeral Home Trinidad, Colorado on Saturday the 28th of August at 10:00 AM.
