Alice Piotraschke

Alice Theresa (Tuemler) Piotraschke of Fort Collins, died March 12, 2010 at Golden Peaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was 73. Alice was born Oct. 15, 1936 in Columbus, OH to Joseph and Mildred Tuemler. She graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Columbus in 1954 and continued her education at The Ohio State University where she graduated with a degree in elementary education in 1958. Following college graduation she moved from Ohio to Colorado Springs, CO where she taught fourth grade at Buena Vista Elementary School and fifth grade at Audubon Elementary School. She met her future husband, Ron, during the summer session at the University of Colorado in Boulder while she was pursuing her master's degree in education. They were married on June 15, 1963 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Colorado Springs. The couple moved to Littleton, CO where their two children were born. During this time, Alice also taught at All Souls Elementary School and completed her master's degree. After four years in Littleton, the young family moved to Colorado Springs. In the early '70s, she was hired to serve as the regional sales representative for Scholastic Publishing Co. where she was the first female regional sales representative and toured with authors including Norman Bridwell, who wrote the Clifford Big Red Dog series. She also was actively involved in the Catholic community in Colorado Springs, serving as Director of Religious Education at the Air Force Community Chapel and at their home parish, Holy Apostles Catholic Church. Her spirituality sparked a lifelong dream of opening a Christian bookstore which she aptly named Sign of the Dove. In her store she was ably assisted by her best friend, Millie Pajor, with whom she traveled to various religious book fairs, conventions and conferences. With the success of the Colorado Springs store, she opened branches in Pueblo, El Pomar Retreat Center, Benet Hill Academy and at St. Thomas Seminary in Denver. Alice was considered a leader and advocate in increasing women's roles in the Catholic Church. She served as the head of the Women's Commission for the Diocese of Colorado Springs from 1989-1991 as well as hosted and organized several ongoing spirituality groups for women. She was frequently lauded for her efforts and contributions. After nearly a decade, Alice closed the bookstores to pursue other interests. In 1994, Ron and Alice moved to Fort Collins to be closer to their two children. When the couple joined Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, she also operated the bookstore there for several years. In her retirement years, she also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer, and was given the Guardian Award for her efforts. Alice was always a creative soul, as seen in her fashion, the dollhouses she decorated and the numerous special touches she made to her home in Fort Collins including fabric art and flower arrangements. She also made a rock river in their basement flanked by Aspen trees and fountains. Ron and Alice were fortunate enough to enjoy several river boat cruises in Europe, the Netherlands and Russia. Here in the United States they traveled to Alaska and had several RV adventures in National Parks and the South. Alice was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2001 but was able to stay at home until October 2009 where she was lovingly cared for by family, friends and her compassionate caregivers, Marge Arellano and Vicki Simmerman. We will treasure her sense of humor, her creativity, her fighting spirit and her ability to always add life and beauty to her surroundings. A special thank you to the staff at Golden Peaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their kind and considerate care. Alice is survived by her husband of 46 years, Ron of Fort Collins; sister, Mary and brother-in-law Gene of San Lorenzo, New Mexico; her son, Mike and daughter-in-law Louann of Fort Collins; daughter, Julie and son-in-law Chris of Loveland; grandchildren Sam, Abby, Madeline, Emily, Joshua and Sophie. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association c/o Goes Funeral Care, 3665 Canal Drive, Fort Collins, 80524.