Penelope Juarez Obituary

Juarez
Penelope "Penny" Juarez
November 4, 1945
November 3, 2024

Penny passed away peacefully at home one day short of her 79th birthday. She was born in Cleveland Ohio to Imogene Cornelius and Earl Brown. As she was growing up Penny spent much time with her Aunt Dawn Nigolian (the Mother of her Heart) and Uncle Hary Nigolian who both instilled in Penny a love of cooking and a lifelong commitment to our Lord.
Penny attended Wittenberg College for 2 years before transferring to the Cornell School of Nursing in New York City where she received her Bachelor of Nursing. She specialized in pediatrics throughout her nursing career, ending up that phase of her career as the school nurse for Cheyenne Mountain District from 1975 to 1990 where she was lovingly called "Nurse Penny". One of the highlights of this time was being named the School Nurse of Colorado in 1983.
As a devoted single mother, she raised Matt and Julie Pignataro in Colorado Springs after her divorce. Despite the challenges of that time, she and their father remained friends and excelled in co-parenting.
In 1989 she married Dane Juarez whom she met in the First Presbyterian Church singles group. They were married there and continued to attend First Pres where Penny enjoyed singing in the choir, served as a Deacon for 9 years, and also served as one of the Faith Community nurses supporting and counseling church members as they returned home from the hospital or rehabilitation. Penny had the gift of hospitality. She enjoyed hosting friends and serving a delicious variety of appetizers. In addition, she always made many batches of Christmas cookies which her, family, friends and neighbors will definitely miss. Penny also shared her love of crocheting by making many different creations of children's hats. Penny and Dane enjoyed their 35 years together creating a strong bond based on their love for each other and their love of Jesus Christ. They enjoyed many cruises, first in the Caribbean and then in Europe where Penny fell in love with Barcelona.
Penny was preceded in death by her mother and father, her aunt Dawn and Uncle Harry. She is survived by her husband, Dane, her son Mattew Pignataro (Carolyn), daughter Julie Pignataro (Dan Simpson), her grandsons AJ Pignataro and Linden Simpson, stepdaughters Jenifer Juarez, Sarah Bridgewater (Wayne), step grandsons Devin, Christopher, and Marcus Bridgewater and her beloved cousins Danna Hartwig (Denny), Dan Nigolian (Kathy) and Gayle Jones (Bill).
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 11th at 11am, at First Presbyterian Church 219 E Bijou St. 80903. In lieu of flowers, make a donation to the Frist Presbyterian Church choir or a charity of your choice in her name.