Johanna Bajza Obituary

Johanna Eva Zoeller was born in Mannheim, Germany December 2nd, 1935. She went running into Heaven surrounded with love, probably straight into our brother's Harold's arms, on December 8th, 2015. She left us plenty to celebrate, as her 19th Great Grandchild was born that morning. Her legacy will live on and we will continue to make her proud.

She grew up in Mannheim with her mother Eva and father Johan, whom she loved dearly and spoke of often. Johanna had 2 brothers and 3 sisters. Johanna met Francis J. Bajza, a fine Military gentleman while he was stationed in Germany. They traveled with the military and Johanna settled in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1969. She knew once she was here, she would stay forever.

Johanna raised all 7 of her children here in her house on Keats Place. Johanna retired from a long career at Farmers Insurance Group, working as an underwriter for many years. She headed to the mountains of Colorado as fast as she could, settling in Vail after her retirement. She opened a dry cleaning drop off station and did the best alterations you'd ever seen. She loved to sew and to make people laugh. Her sense of humor was contagious (She had the BEST laugh) and she was quite the smartass. She'd get the best of you in a battle of wits almost every time! In her retirement she lived an amazing life. She skied every chance she got often volunteering at ski races and with the Ski Patrol. In her late 50's she took up snowboarding! Before we knew it, she was teaching the grandkids how to do it! She was definitely not your Typical Shred Betty! She moved to Buena Vista, Colorado in the early 90's and found her forever home. She had many good friends there and was very active in the community. There she volunteered for political events and spent a lot of time at the Buena Vista Humane Society. Feeding the deer was a favorite past time even though she was warned more than once by the DOW to stop. Her answer to that was to go buy more grain. She also fulfilled her lifelong dream and became an American Citizen in her 70's. She was very proud of that and honored to be one.

She was an exceptional Mom, a caring daughter and the hardest working women we've ever met. There is nothing Johanna would not do for us kids. She taught us all to live, love and laugh. She wrote to us "I had the time of my life, all my life. Do not weep over me. Smile, "I did it my way." That is what we will do Mom as we remember you, and honor you by the way in which we live our lives.

She met her son Harold in Heaven, whom she had been patiently waiting to see for almost 24 years. She leaves here to remember her, her 6 boys and 1 daughter: Joseph, John, Perry, Ray, Alex and April Bajza.

Also, her amazing daughters-in-law, 14 Grandchildren and 19 Great Grandbabies. Her constant companion, her cat, Missy, will miss her dearly.

Alzheimers can steal your brain, but it cannot, and will not, steal our memories of you.

Thank you to Brookdale at Briargate for the loving care you showed our Mom as she was making her way home.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Alzheimer's Association or Buena Vista Humane Society.

Johanna's Memorial Service will be held on Monday, December 28th at 2:00 p.m. at Swan Law Funeral Directors, 501 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, Colorado. Please join us on this special day to rejoice in our mom's amazing life.