Joan Colletti-Heller

Joan Colletti-Heller “Mam Mam” was called home to our Lord on December 23, 2020. Joan was born on September 14, 1934, to Edward & Anne Yaklich of Avondale. Joan was a unique and caring individual that touched the lives of all that knew her. She was a devoted Catholic that volunteered and worked at several churches throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward & Ann Yaklich; brother, Dennis, and her husband Wilford Heller. She married Wilford in September of 2004 and remained by his side until his death in 2014.

She is survived by her first husband, Joe Colletti Sr. and her children, Jodee (Jack) Fountain, Joe (Kathy) Colletti Jr., and Jerie (Scott) Wetzel. Joan has four grandchildren; Tammy Martin (Leon), Adam Pitts (Lindsey), Joe Colletti III (Heather), and Jake Colletti (Megan). She has 11 great grandchildren, one great great grandson with one on the way.

Joan had a lifelong friendship with Jack and Claudette Borgstedt that remained by her side to the very end. She also found great friendship and comfort in her sister-in-laws Georgene and Mary Colletti and ex son-in-law Stephen Pitts.

Joan graduated from Avondale High School honored as Valedictorian of her class in 1952. Joan was part of the first all Catholic Girls Scouts Troup in Pueblo that started at St Mary’s school in 1946. She starred in the Junior class play, Boys about Bobbette in 1950 as June Blaylock and was Senior Editor for Avondale’s Senior Edition from 1949-1951. Joan was active in 4H and lead her own group. She was Lead Baton twirler in high school. Joan starred in multiple musical acts and continued her love for music and dance throughout her life. There was never a time or place that she wouldn’t break out into a dance or start singing! Belonging to Eagles #145 where she was caught most Friday nights dancing the Polka with her granddaughter.

Joan held many careers throughout her life. She worked for the District Attorney’s office in the Investigation division in 1977. She owned Colletti Trucking in Tribune, Kansas with her first husband. Later, retired from Crossroads Turning Points after working for 12 years.

Joan was a gifted seamstress, avid gardener, and world’s best cook of potica and spaghetti! She made numerous wedding dresses and wedding cakes for people in the community. Joan loved to cook and entertain family and friends with a good meal and cup of coffee. She used to say that there was no problem in the world that couldn’t be solved with a good cup of coffee because even if you didn’t solve the problem you still had a good cup of coffee!! She loved to remodel and paint with pink and gold being her favorite colors!

She loved talking about her family and had been very blessed with all the memories she created with each one of them throughout her life. The need for adventure roared through her veins. She had the dream to fly which was fulfilled by her son and his wife when she was able to go for her first flying lesson. Her love for the Denver Broncos and sports continued throughout her lifetime and she was able to attend a Denver Bronco game with her grandsons. Visiting her daughter in Arizona she rode her first Harley. Joan passed on a love for learning and creating to her children and grandchildren. She loved having her family around and spoiled her great grandchildren on a daily basis. She never missed a school event or fundraiser. She loved making costumes and attending parties. Volunteered to make cheerleading outfits for the Bantam league football for 3 years and at all the school events she was instantly everyone’s grandma.

Joan will be missed by all that knew her but her memory will live in all the lives she touched.

The family would like to thank Bristol Hospice with a special thank you to her nurse Lucy for showing her dignity and compassion in her final hours.

Funeral arrangements are being made by the family and will be announced at a later date.