Teresa Pepe

Teresa Pepe passed away on August 12, 2023. She was 92 years old. Teresa was born on May 27, 1931, in Sant'Arsenio, Italy. She married John Pepe in Italy, and then immediately left for New York where her father had been living and working. She was 17 at the time so was considered an American citizen. John then came over 11 months later. Teresa worked as a seamstress in New York and also learned to swim at the local YMCA. Swimming was her passion for many years until she was no longer able. She had earned her certification to teach swimming and also had her life saving certification. She was able to swim a mile easily each time she went to the pool, up until her early 80s. In 1969, Teresa and family which consisted of her husband, daughter, Ann (14 at the time) and son Alex (7 at the time) moved to Pueblo, Colorado for John's career. In 1972, Teresa, John and Alex moved to Denver, Colorado. In Denver, she continued to be a loving wife and mother as well as a seamstress. She became a widow in March of 1985. That was a hard transition for her with her daughter married and living in Fort Collins and her son living in Austin Texas. She continued with her swimming and biking and keeping in touch with the many friends that she had. She eventually moved to Fort Collins to be closer to her daughter. When her grandson, Ryan Lujan, was born, she was so happy to be able to care for him during his first year while Ann worked. She always said it was the best time being able to do that. She has 5 grandchildren in all. Cameron Pepe, Carson Pepe and Colton Pepe in Austin, Texas and Ryan Lujan and Sara Lujan in Fort Collins. She is survived by her two children and their spouses - Ann and Mike Lujan, in Fort Collins, Colorado and Alex and Kara Pepe in Austin, Texas; her 5 grandchildren, her brother, John D'Amato in New York, her niece Marlene Olivier and nephew J. Arsenio D'Amato and many other relatives in the U.S. and Italy. Teresa led a full and active life spending time with her beloved family and many friends. She liked to cook her Italian specialties which everyone loved when they would come to visit her. Her life was in service to others as she truly loved the people close to her. Her stories and the memories she created will be passed on through her family and friends. We love you and miss you Nonna. A memorial service celebrating Teresa’s life will begin at 4:00 pm Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Goes Funeral Care, 3665 Canal Dr., Suite E, Fort Collins, CO 80524. Additional visiting and refreshments will follow her service. The inurnment will be held privately at Grandview Cemetery, Fort Collins. Teresa’s family requests that any memorial donations please be sent to Pathways Hospice, 305 Carpenter Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Pathways had been such a comfort and great assistance in her final days. Please go to www.goesfuneralcare.com to see Teresa’s full obituary and to share condolences and memories with her family.