Former Salida resident Wilma Jean Szymanski, 80, died in a private nursing home in La Plata, New Mexico on November 12, 2021.
She was born on January 17, 1941 in Denver to Robert Albert Britton and Vena Lee (Atteberry) Britton, the eldest of two children.
She was a 1959 graduate of Cherry Creek High School in Englewood.
She married Freddie Lee Szymanski on June 28, 1959 and they lived on the family ranch in Parker.
Mrs. Szymanski worked together with her husband and his parents Fred and Bertha on the ranch and the dairy. She took over the role of her husband when he was drafted into the US Army.
A longtime Douglas County resident, she was active in the Franktown Women’s Club, women’s volleyball, fastpitch softball, and began her love of bowling by participating in several leagues at Castle Rock.
In 1984 the family sold the Parker ranch and bought a ranch west of Poncha Springs. The area quickly became her home and she made many lifelong friends.
Ms. Szymanski loved her community and continued to bowling in many leagues, played women’s volleyball, was a member of the Elks Auxiliary and was briefly employed by Walmart.
She enjoyed country music, singing, traveling, and the blackjack table.
Family and friends said their greatest love was their family. They said that their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were a source of great joy for them and that there was nothing they would not do for them.
Her family said they drew strength from the family after she and Mr. Szymanski divorced. They said she had gained strong independence and found a real sense of joy and self-worth, and the unwavering support and love of her daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren made her know every day how much she was valued.
Her parents and brother Bob preceded her in death.
Survivors include their daughters Joyce (Donny) Garcia of Aztec, New Mexico, and Misty (Nick) Swallow of Battlement Mesa; Grandsons, Jessica (Larry) Thompson, Lucas (Aleesha) Nesler, Hanna, Emma and Parker Poole, Tanner Means, Mason and Carson Swallow and Cassondra (Jorge) Franco; 11 great-grandchildren; and her aunt and best friend, Janet Britton from Parker.
Her ashes are buried in the family grave in Elizabeth.
A celebration of her life is planned for spring in Salida and will then be announced.
The agreements were made with the Farmington Funeral Home in Farmington, New Mexico.
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