Mary Rose Ozzello

Mary Ozzello, loving wife, devoted mom, and caring friend, died Nov. 20, 2017. All who knew and loved her will miss her smile, wit and affection.

Mary was born in Sopris, Colo., to Joseph and Frances (Cimino) Antista. She graduated from Holy Trinity High School and Trinidad Junior College, and attended the University of Northern Colorado. She married Tano Ozzello May 28, 1955, and they lived in Trinidad until 1963, when the family moved to Pueblo. In 1971, the family moved to La Junta, where Tano was La Junta High’s principal until the couple retired in 1988. She was a Title I teacher at LJHS for 17 years. After retirement, they chose to remain in La Junta. A lifelong Roman Catholic, she was committed to her faith, family, and community. She was a member of PEO chapter GM and the Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish Circle I.

Tano, her husband of nearly 50 years; her parents, Joseph and Frances Antista; and her brother Bart Antista, preceded Mary in death.

Her four children, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a brother and sister survive Mary. Her children: Gary (Joni) of Fort Collins; Lori of Greeley; Bud (Ginger) of Aurora; and Jo Ann of La Junta. Her grandchildren: D.J (Kelsey) Ozzello of Philadelphia; Angie Ozzello, Denver; Jeanie (Dustin) Cady, Colorado Springs; Jacqueline (Phil) Deegan, Aurora; Kim (Aaron) Swan, Highlands Ranch; Katie (Trevor) White, Monument; and Kristin (Jonathan) Skiles, Colorado Springs. Her great-grandchildren are Arabella Deegan of Greeley; Madi Swan, Highlands Ranch; and Weston and Colton White, Monument. Her siblings: Elizabeth Massarotti of Trinidad; and Joe (Linda) Antista, Northglenn.

Two aunts, Lena (Cimino) DeJoy, Littleton, and Sara (Cimino) Ringo, Walsenburg; an uncle, Carl Cimino, of San Diego; and numerous cousins survive her.

Her family was the center of her life, and she cherished her 45 years in La Junta.

Mary and Tano’s best friends were Bill & Francie Haberman, who were always nearby, loving and supportive. The family thanks Margaret Espinoza and Diana Archuleta, Mary’s caregivers; the third-floor care team at Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center; Dr. Richard Shand; the La Junta Catholic Church; and Sangre De Cristo Hospice.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. both services at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish. Visitation will be Tuesday, Nov. 28th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary’s name to Inspiration Field or Sangre De Cristo Hospice.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of services.