Dorothy Mary Vialpando Gallegos

Dorothy M. Vialpando Gallegos, age 78, passed away July 28, 2018 in Arvada, Colorado. Dorothy was born November 11, 1939 in Chama, Colorado; she is a descendent of the first settlers in the San Luis Valley. Dorothy was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who loved spending time with her family and friends, whether in person or keeping connected over the phone. She spent winters in Florida with her “Florida Family” and loved having that special time with her granddaughters and her grand pups. Dorothy was a devout Catholic who attended church every Sunday, and enjoyed time with family and friends following church. Some of Dorothy’s life pleasure’s included camping, traveling, trips to the casino and walking, especially walks with her husband Don and their grand pups.

Dorothy is survived by her loving husband Don; children: Emery Gallegos and Lennell (Ozzie) Gallegos-Ramos; granddaughters Bailee Gallegos and Isabella Ramos; step granddaughter Melisa (Jim) Ramos Alers; step great grandchildren Anthony and Olivia and siblings: Joe C. (Celsa) Vialpando and Pauline Lopez.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ricardo and Matiana Vialpando, her son Norman Gallegos and her sisters: Rebecca Lopez, Soraida Maestas, Marianita Sanchez, Edicia Manzanares, Corelia Olivas and Orlinda Sanchez.

Rosary service will be Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 6:00pm at the Olinger Crown Hill Chapel of Peace, family will receive guests starting at 5:00pm.

Education was very important to Dorothy, especially the education of her granddaughters, as she would say “education is something that cannot be taken away from you.” With that in mind, the family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the family which will be used to start an educational fund in Dorothy’s memory.