Grace Marie Vialpando

Our mom, Grace Vialpando, made the world’s best tortillas.

Yes, she accomplished many other things, but the quality of her cooking especially homemade fresh tortillas with red chili cannot be overstated.

On Sunday, December 15, 2024, Grace Marie Vialpando, loving wife and mother, reached the end of her life, at the age of 90, surrounded by family. 

Grace was truly the definition of her name in the way she lived her life.

Born in Avondale, Colorado on December 3, 1934, to John Romero of Lucero, NM and Emma (Cordova) of Trinidad CO Grace spent her childhood and school-age years in Pueblo, CO, growing up alongside her siblings Flora Salas, Nora Gomez, Ernie Romero, and Leona Templeton.

After graduation from Pueblo Central High School in 1951, she met her husband, Ismael Daniel Vialpando “Jiggs” and was married on October 18, 1952, in Raton, New Mexico. They started their family while “Danny” was a soldier serving in the Korean War.  They shared a love for dancing and were often admired for their connection on the dance floor.

They raised seven children, two boys and five girls in the Denver area.

What her children remember is that their mother gave it her all.  She worried too much, didn’t always take time for herself, and she did not always get it right…but she tried her hardest to teach them about love, selflessness, compassion and honesty. 

If there was one thing that Grace was, that was determined, from when she worked in a carrot processing plant and throughout her career working for King Soopers, where Grace was promoted up the ladder to a management position.  No matter what the challenge or request, she gave her all to ensure she exceeded all expectations. 

Graces biggest passion in life was art.  She loved to paint which led her to attending the University of Colorado at Denver in pursuit of an art degree.  When she wasn’t painting portraits, she was painting ceramics with her daughters. Grace was a talented artist who enjoyed painting landscapes, portraits, and cross-hatching pen sketches. Art was a beloved hobby of hers, and her creativity brought joy to her family.  She also loved to travel with her husband, friends and family. 

After retirement together they transformed a small cabin in San Isabel into a beautiful family retreat. The cabin became the backdrop for countless unforgettable memories, from birdwatching and walking their beloved dog Niko to hosting bonfires, fishing at the lake, and spotting bears in the wilderness. While Grace wasn’t a fan of the large snowstorms, she embraced the beauty of the mountains and the friendships they built with their neighbors.

After six years in San Isabel, Grace and Jiggs moved to Pueblo for five years before returning to Denver to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Following Jiggs’ passing in 2015, Grace enjoyed life, creating lasting memories filled with love and laughter. enjoying family vacations to Australia, Hawaii and Mexico or just simply spending time together with family and friends. Grace loved her scones with morning coffee and a cold margarita on the back deck. While she tolerated the Broncos, she was always an avid Rockies fan.

She cherished time spent with and was always available for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to whom she was in later years referred to as “super granny”.

Grace was predeceased by her husband, Ismael Daniel Vialpando, her parents, and four sisters. She is survived by her brother Earnest and Ester Romero, her children the eldest Carla Vialpando, Sandra and Daryl Trujillo, Robert and Susan Vialpando, Toni and Mark Salazar, Micheal and Lisa Vialpando, Julie Vialpando, Yvonne and Anthony Madrid.  She leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren along with many other family members and dear friends who will sadly miss her. 

Our thanks to all of you who kept her spirits up and helped us celebrate her 90th birthday.  Thank you to those who flew in from all over to show your love and say goodbye.  It made the journey so much easier for her, and we are so moved by your loving care and generosity. Grace adored her life and the family she built, finding joy in even the smallest moments. Her legacy of love, creativity, and warmth lives on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.

Rosary

Wednesday, January 8th, at 6:00 PM

Romero Funeral Home, 4750 Tejon St, Denver, Colorado

Mass of The Resurrection

Thursday, January 9th, at 11:00 AM 

Saint Francis Cabrini Catholic Church

6673 W Chatfield Ave, Littleton, Colorado