Laura M. "Lilly" Van Norden
February 28, 1939 ~ June 4, 2014
Laura Marie "Lilly" Van Norden
On Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at12:15 am, Laura (Lilly) Marie Rivas Van Norden peacefully passed from this life to her eternal home in Heaven. She was surrounded by her children and numerous loved ones.
Laura was born on February 28, 1939 in Tiffany Colorado. She was the 9th of 12 children born to Ruben and Helen Rivas. She had 6 brothers: Johnny, Charlie, Eddie, Ruben, Clovis and Jim and 5 sisters: Beatrice, Caroline, Helen, Viola and Louise. She lived on the family ranch in Durango, Colorado until she moved to Denver with her mother.
In 1954, Laura married Fred Maestas. Debra Lillian was born in 1955, and Fred Timothy in 1956.
Laura worked for Safeway at their Bakery Facility on an assembly line, where she packaged baked goods. Not satisfied with her future career options, she decided to enroll in night classes to learn electronics. This led her to a position with Honeywell.
Working her way up the ranks, she eventually became the first female administrator, pioneering a program to reward employees for new ideas. She was also the founder and first president of the Honeywell Credit Union.
Laura married Pete Duarte in 1958. Mone’ Elena was born in 1970, and Tiffany Cherie in 1971. They enjoyed traveling and camping with their children. She also loved to spend time with her extended family. Many Sundays after church, the Rivas Clan would gather at City Park. Laura had 37 nieces and nephews, and took great pride in their achievements.
Laura instilled high values in her children, monitoring their peers and ensuring they were involved in church activities. She had high expectations for them, and was willing to exert some not-so-gentle persuasion to guide them on their journey. She made great sacrifices to ensure her family’s needs were met before her own.
She was quick to lend a hand to someone down on their luck, and made friends wherever she went. From hotel employees to the cashiers she frequently visited at Costco, she took the time to know and care for those around her. She was quick to share her wisdom and resources with those in need. Because she felt an obligation to invest in her community, she became a probation officer to women for the City of Denver.
In 1980, Laura married Gary Van Norden. They liked to camp and visit extended family throughout the country. They enjoyed attending the family reunions in New Mexico and spent a great deal of time with her grandchildren. She retired from Honeywell in 2005.
After experiencing problems with her balance in 2006, Laura was diagnosed with PSP, Progressive Supra-nuclear Palsy. In 2009, she was admitted into Life Care Center for rehabilitation from rotator cuff surgery. When the progression of the PSP was observed by the medical staff, it was determined that it was in Laura’s best interest to remain at Life Care. As a resident of the facility, she became an advocate for the Spanish speaking employees. She attended the staff meetings to help negate the language barrier. Her caregivers tended to her with love and respect.
She has 10 grandchildren: Jennifer, Jared, Janine, Ryan, Thomas, Aaron, Sean, Dante, Patrick & Kaitlynn, and 9 great-grandchildren: Austin, Hailey, Breanna, Joshua, Cayden, Grace, Schaefer, Kyler & Adriana.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruben & Helen, her brothers Johnny, Charlie, Eddy & Clovis and sisters Beatrice, Viola, and Louise.
She will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be at the Bullock Colonial Chapel on Sunday, June 8th from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. A Celebration of Laura's life will be at the Bullock Colonial Chapel on Monday, June 9th at 1:00 pm with interment following at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Following the graveside service at Chapel Hill, the family will be having a reception at Grace Community Church (7200 South Clinton Street, Englewood, CO 80112).
Family and friends are encouraged to share stories and photograph's of Laura here on her website (click appropriate tab above)
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
we are sorry about laura. our thoughts and prayers are with her entire family.
I am so sorry to hear about my Dear Aunt Laura. She was not only a Aunt to me but my friend. I could call her anytime. She would always give me good advice and make me laugh too.
What I love about my Aunt Laura she taught me to never give up and you can always learn. When I was a kid growing up. I thought she was the coolest Aunt to go back to school and finish her education. I was so happy when she came to visit me in San Diego and stay at our home. I could talk to Aunt Laura about anything and she always made me feel important.
Her special saying to me was. I would ask her a question and her reply is I can only give you a answer with the information that was given to me. I was blessed to have such a wonderful Aunt. I love you Aunt Laura.
Laura and I had great love for Genealogy. We had to find our long, lost
relatives as far back as documented. Last year I asked anyone who wanted to go visit the land of our ancestors in New Mexico. We traveled
to see the sights and places where they were born. We were impressed with the beauty of the landscape and some places were like paradise.
We felt the Serrano spirits and imagined how they lived. We found some
of the Serrano's to visit. Yes, Laura, We shall miss you but we shall
meet again. Adelia & Roger
Though my sister is now resting in peace with the Lord our love and prayers are sent to the family. God Bless
What an amazing unt we had! She was a pillar of strength, a force that was unstoppable, when it came to reminding us how strong and powerful our family and each of us individually could become. Sometimes I thought "where does she get that self-confidence and unrelenting determination"? Well I think we know now as adults, how being a Rivas was serious business, and aunt Laura made sure we knew it. She always wanted me to let her have/adopt my son, Joseph. She had that special place in her heart for Joseph; and told him so as he grew older. Her heart was opened with even more love for her grandchildren. We know that she is resting in our Lord's loving arms, and I look forward to seeing her in that glorious place, with family that is waiting. We pray that our Lord comforts her family, grandchildren, & Gary. You will be missed, Aunt Lilly!
My dearest Laura, I am missing you very much as we all are. I know you are in the comfort of the tender arms of our Lord and Master. In a short time I will be reunited with you.
I have many fond memories of the good times we shared including the times we traveled many places and visited relatives in California and New Mexico at the reunion. We enjoyed travelling to Hawaii also.
I was blessed to have Aunt Laura in my life. She was my godmother, my friend, and a great listener because I could talk to her about anything. She was always there for me offering her words of wisdom, guidance and strength. In years past, any time I went to Denver, I always stayed with her and we would be up late into the night talking and laughing. When I was a little boy, what I remember most was that she always told me I was her favorite "hito" and I never let her forget that as I got older and I never let the rest of my cousins forget that either. She always wanted us to know about our family history and where we came from. I am missing her dearly but I am so grateful I was able to visit her in her last years. I know she is in our heavenly Father's arms resting in peace with no sorrow or pain. She is now in her heavenly body looking down upon us and rejoicing. She inspired all of us to never let anyone tell you that you can't do something and to always strive to do your best. We love you.
I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family for the Lord to give you strength and comfort – your mother is in a much better place now!