Cora Solem

Cora Walker Solem died on August, 31st, 2011, after a long illness. She is survived by her children Paul Taylor Solem (wife Julie) of Loveland, and Holly Solem Ramirez (husband Rob) of Loveland. She has one grandchild, Tori Broughton in California. Cora is also survived by her sister: Billie Walker James of Birmingham, Alabama; nieces: Kandell Walker Maloscay of Florida, and Tracy James Robinson of Alabama. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years: Donald Burtis Solem; one son: Timothy Donald Solem; parents: James Taylor and Rue Maine Walker; brother: Donald Frary Walker; sister-in-law: Patricia Brunton Walker and brother-in-law: Drayton Nobles James. She was born on November 20, 1926, and spent her younger life on a farm near Brush, Colorado. In her early teens, her mother, father, and older brother moved to the Walker farm and dairy near Gilcrest. She graduated from Gilcrest High School and received a Bachelor.s degree in elementary education from Colorado State College of Education (known today as University of Northern Colorado) in Greeley. In college Cora was a popular co-ed, winning several personal awards: including Miss CSCE and was active in her sorority and campus affairs. During the late 1940.s Elitch’s Garden in Denver was one of the most popular entertainment destinations in Colorado. It was nationally known for its lush gardens and the Trocadero Ballroom. It was here that CSCE sent Cora as their candidate for the annual College Beauty Queen contest. Cora was crowned Miss Elitch Gardens in 1946. After graduating, Cora moved to California to begin her teaching career. She returned to Colorado to marry Donald Solem on September 27, 1947. Cora and Don moved several times as he enriched his educational career. Cora substitute taught wherever they were: in Greeley, and Aberdeen, South Dakota. They moved back to Lafayette, Colorado, and began raising their family. Don was selected as the principal of Wheat Ridge High School, and it was Wheat Ridge where they lived the rest of their lives together. Cora was active in the community serving charities, school functions, and loving to play bridge. She was a good seamstress and enjoyed making draperies, linens, and decorative items for their homes. She and her husband enjoyed the many projects involved in remodeling their homes in the Denver area. The beautifully artistic landscaping shared by each of these homes, they did themselves. One of their gardens was featured on the botanical garden tour. When she became a widow she was active with the Homesteaders, a group of seniors connected to the Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church. She was one who participated in the Pen Pal Program which was a project linked with a local elementary school teaching it.s students communication skills through letter exchange. Besides helping to teach letter writing, the program gave the students friendly interaction with adults who were interested in youth, and encouraged development of reading skills and penmanship. Cora was a good letter-writer and storyteller so was a valued participant. Funeral will be at 1.00pm on Saturday 03rd September 2011 . Arrangements are under the direction of Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 7777 W. 29th Ave., Wheat Ridge