Amelia Naomi Sears

Amelia Naomi Gonzales Maldonado Sears (Amy) passed away June 13, 2018 after a brief illness. During an outing luncheon with friends in Pueblo, Amy experienced a brain aneurysm and was transported by helicopter to Swedish Hospital in Denver CO. After having several strokes, Amy passed away surrounded by family and went to be with God, Jesus and loved ones that preceded her in death.

Amy was born in Walsenburg, CO on May 25, 1937 to Eli B. and Ada Gonzales. As an only child, she was surrounded in the love of an extended family that included Valdez, Montoya and Gonzales relatives. She met her first husband, William (Bill) Maldonado in Red Wing, CO and they married in 1953. They lived in Pueblo and then Avondale, CO. Tragically Bill’s life was cut short November 26, 1966 when struck by a drunk driver while working on a road construction project. Amy, just 29 years old, a widow with three children continued to work at her hair salon in Avondale, CO while her parents lived with her and help raise her children ages 12, 5 and 3.

Amy met & married Winston Sears in 1973. She continued to work as hair stylist and owned World of Charm Beauty Salon in Pueblo. She was active with the Colorado Hair Dress Association, and the Zontas Club. She also briefly worked in real estate. After selling her salon, Amy and Winston moved to Lamar, Colorado and then to Taos, New Mexico. In 1997, Amy and Winston moved to Anchorage, Alaska to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. For the next 20 years they lived with their daughters, and she worked as a caregiver for severely disabled children.

Amy and Winston celebrated 45 years of marriage and had many special events and trips with their kids and grandkids. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, beading, gardening, painting and camping in their motor home. Many people noticed that Amy always had a project in her hands. She made many beautiful quilts that decorated the homes of family and friends. Recently, Amy found it increasingly difficult to endure the long, cold, dark Alaska winters where she worried of falling.

In November 2017, Amy and Winston returned to Pueblo where they renewed friendships and quickly developed new friends. In just a few months, Amy quickly became known as the person with project ideas and inspired others to help. When she passed the women of her community were helping Amy make table centerpieces for Father’s day.

Amy is survived by husband Winston Sears, her three children and their families. Her children include Arlene Klaas and her husband Phillip, Susan Shiffer and her husband Michael, and Bill Maldonado and his wife Kitty. She has five grandchildren, Jennifer and (Nick) Adams, Levi and (Tiffany) Maldonado, Pete Maldonado, Matthew Shiffer, & Rachel Shiffer. She was blessed with six great grandchildren, (Ricky, Janey, Elle, Billy, & Tommy Adams and Eli Maldonado). Amy is preceded in death by her parents Ada and Eli Benjamin Gonzales and grandparents Beatrice and Pedro Gonzales, Daniel and Cornelia Valdez.

Amy was the matriarch of her family and led a life rich in love and spirituality. Her Memorial Service is on June 22, 2018, 10:00 AM at Imperial Funeral Home Chapel where she will be inurned near her parents and many relatives. Amy loved flowers, but In lieu of flowers she would encourage you to donate to your favorite charity or support her special commitment to children with disabilities.