Francine Elaine Guzzo

Elaine was born on March 8, 1953, in Alamosa, Colorado, and though her family moved to Denver when she was just eight, the San Luis Valley always had a grip on her heart. She returned often to visit family, relive memories, and eat at The Dutchmill (if you know, you know). She still owned land in the Valley that had been homesteaded by her great-great-grandfather, something she was incredibly proud of, and she’ll be laid to rest in the Valley, right where her story started.

Elaine attended Presentation Catholic School and graduated as salutatorian from St. Joseph High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Colorado at Denver, with a passion for creativity that showed up in all sorts of ways. Elaine didn’t start out as “the one with the camera,” but over time, her artistic eye and appreciation for everyday beauty drew her to it. Eventually, it became part of who she was, and thanks to that, we now have a lifetime of memories she made sure we could hold onto.

Speaking of camera… if you ever spent more than five minutes with Elaine, chances are she took your picture. Not with an iPhone. Not with an iPad. We’re talking a real camera… the kind that hung around her neck and went with her everywhere.

In 1972, Elaine had a chance encounter that would shape the rest of her life. While sitting in a McDonald’s parking lot with her best friend, enjoying a milkshake and a cheeseburger, two guys walked up to their window to say hello. One of them was Gene Guzzo. He was smitten from the start, and always said Elaine was the prettiest girl he’d ever seen. Two years later, they were married on April 20, 1974, and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, a milestone that brought their family so much joy.

Their early years included helping run the family restaurant, The 5 G’s, raising their three kids, (Nicole, Matthew, and Kevin) and figuring out how to make it all work when money was tight, and sleep was even tighter. Elaine insisted on sending her kids to Catholic school, even if it meant wild shifts, long drives, and every bit of budgeting magic she could manage. And yet somehow, she still made it to every school event, performance, and years of Westernaires practice.

Elaine dedicated over 40 years to a career she was incredibly proud of, serving as a police dispatcher for the Lakewood and Arvada Police Departments. Her calm demeanor, quick thinking, and steady voice made her a trusted presence on the other end of the line. She trained and mentored countless coworkers, many of whom became lifelong friends and she took great pride in knowing her service made a difference.

Outside of work, Elaine was known for her deep love of life and her sense of fun. She was always up for an event, whether it was a Colorado Rockies game (especially Opening Day), a night at the movies, or a live show at the Buell Theater. She saw more concerts than anyone could count… one of her favorite memories was seeing Barbra Streisand live in Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve in 2000.

Gene would jokingly call her “the event queen” because she didn’t just attend events, she hosted them. Her casino-themed 50th birthday was legendary, and her 65th birthday! Women-only, invite-only, and completely fabulous. She never waited for someone else to celebrate her, she knew how to throw a party and make it count.

She was a proud member of her cousins’ Red Hat Society, where she was (unofficially but undeniably) the group’s photographer. Elaine always had a camera in her hand, documenting every moment… to the groans of her family who were constantly being told to “just take one more.” But now, as we look through the thousands of photos she leaves behind, we realize what a gift that truly was.

Her friendships were more than social, they were chosen family. Some of her closest relationships dated back to grade school; others were forged during her decades of dispatch. She loved her friends deeply, and they loved her right back.

She was also very clear about one thing: she never wanted to be called “grandma.” It was Nana or nothing. Her grandchildren, Alyssa, Zachary, Trevor, Coy, and Paige were her absolute pride and joy. She had a unique, personal bond with each one and made every grandchild feel like the most important person in the world. Being Nana was her favorite role of all.

Above all, Elaine was devoted to her Catholic faith, which guided her life with grace, humility, and compassion. She lived her values quietly but powerfully… always showing up, always caring, always giving more than she took.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Gene Guzzo; daughter Nicole Sears (husband Ryan); sons Matthew Guzzo and Kevin Guzzo; and her five grandchildren: Alyssa Kulinski, Zachary Kulinski, Trevor Guzzo, Coy Sears, and Paige Sears. She also leaves behind countless nieces and nephews, and several beloved godchildren: Ricci Velasquez, Amber Oldham, and Rudy Huerta Jr.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Meliton and Frances Velasquez; her infant brother Baby Boy Velasquez; her brother Anthony Velasquez; and her sister Cynthia Candelaria.

A rosary and reception will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fruita, Colorado. A second rosary and Funeral Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 5th at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Northglenn, Colorado, followed by a reception. Burial will take place at a later date in La Jara, Colorado.

Elaine’s legacy is one of love, faith, and loyalty. She was the heart of her family, the glue in her circle of friends, and a woman who made everyone around her feel seen, loved, and included. Her life was a gift to all who knew her, and her memory will live on in every story, every photo, and every life she touched.