Alberta Girodo-Smith

Alberta Ann (Macchietto) Girodo-Smith, 86, was born October 22, 1937 in Sopris, Colorado to Albert and Annie Macchietto, who preceded her in death along with her husband John Smith, son Dale Girodo and brother Louis Macchietto. Alberta leaves behind to treasure her memory- children Steve (Mary) Girodo, Doug (Tressa) Girodo,  Susan (Michael) Cozzetta, Greg (Rich) Smith, and Lisa Smith. Her grandchildren, who were the loves of her life, Tony (Ashley) Girodo, Nic (April) Girodo, Talia (Josh) Mauss, Domenic (Jessica) Cozzetta, Johnny (Shae) Hughes,  Ashly (Juan) Hughes and great-granddaughters Jae Hughes, Millie Mauss and baby girl Cozzetta. Brother Chuck (Sheila) Macchietto, sisters-in-law Betty Macchietto, Lori Gregory, Georgia Macchietto and Carol Smith. Father of her children, Frank Girodo. Uncle Charles Martorano, and several special family members and friends who loved her dearly.

She was a life-long learner graduating valedictorian from Lincoln High School(1955), earning a nursing degree from St. Mary-Corwin School of Nursing(1957),  Bachelors in Behavioral Health and Psychology from University of Southern Colorado(1972) and a Masters degree in Vocational Education from Colorado State University-Fort Collins(1986). She enjoyed her work as a registered nurse and educated generations of nurses. She worked at Colorado State Hospital, Parkview, St. Mary-Corwin and Minnequa MediCenter. She taught at Pueblo Community College as Local Vocational Director, Coordinator and Instructor of Health Occupations Program and the Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide Program then continued to teach at University of Southern Colorado in the LPN program. At PCC, she was the president of the Women’s Organization, and chaired the State Sex Equity Committee where she developed the State Sex Equity Handbook. She served as president for Colorado Vocational Association Health Occupation Educators, and State Officer Advisor for Health Occupation Students of America. She held memberships to American and Colorado Vocational Associations, Colorado Women in Higher Education Association, and Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.  She volunteered at the Fulton Heights Wellness Clinic and continued to teach CPR even after retirement.

Her faith and St. Joseph’s Church were of utmost importance to her. She served as president of CCW, taught catechism and vacation bible school, worked the gift shop, Eucharistic minister,  brought communion to the homebound, cleaned and decorated the church, raised money for their hall chaired committees for lady fingers, Valentine chocolate boxes,  spaghetti dinners, and the St. Joseph’s table. With her dear friend Janet, she owned and operated a bridal shop and made gorgeous cakes for all occasions.

She loved to bowl, cheer on the Broncos and Rockies, square dance and polka dance at the Preseren picnic. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas, decorating the tree, poinsettias and all things red. She liked to read, scrapbook and watch her soap operas and game shows. She especially loved to tell stories about her life including many stories about Sopris. Her favorite place was in the kitchen, surrounded by family with a wooden spoon in hand.

      Special thanks to the Sharmar facility and Parkview ICU. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Rosary will begin at 9:30 am on Friday, August 16 at St. Joseph’s Church, Eulogy and Funeral Mass to follow. Burial at Roselawn Cemetery and lunch at St. Joseph’s Hall. If possible, we ask everyone to wear something red to celebrate Alberta.