Loretta Elda Joosten

Loretta Elda Joosten

AGE: 86 • Boulder, CO

Loretta Elda Joosten, 86, of Boulder, CO, died Friday, Dec. 21, 2012.

A Celebration of Loretta's life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Sat., January 5th at the Boulder Meridian, 801 Gillaspie Dr., Boulder.

Loretta was born in a small farming community in Arzene, Italy to Peter and Louise Gri. At the age of 8, she and her mother joined her father in New York City and lived in an Italian neighborhood in the Bronx. In 1948, she married Army Lt. William Joosten and they moved to Tokyo for a 2-year assignment, where their first child was born. They returned to the States and later spent time in France and Germany, always enjoying the rich cultural experiences abroad and the social aspects of military life. Three more children arrived, each in a different country, to complete the Joosten clan. After a final tour in Fort Knox, William and Loretta settled in the Tinton Falls and Eatontown, New Jersey area to begin a new life, founding a real estate business and working on their golf game. Loretta made a great real estate agent with her social skills, but golf was her passion, especially when she could beat the men. Life changed dramatically in 1982 with the death of her husband, but she remained in N.J. caring for three elderly parents and two grandchildren. Then in 2004, the need for heart surgery brought her to Boulder to be near her daughter Lynn's family. She moved into the Boulder Meridian apartments and lived happily there until recent illness slowed her down. She died in the home of her daughter surrounded by family. Loretta had an amazing gift of reaching out to people with kindness and her wonderful sense of humor. She made friends so easily and was always well-loved by everyone she met. Her special love was for children of any age and she adored her grandchildren. She was the best mom her kids could ever imagine, giving them her wisdom, hope, love and joy all of their lives. She was truly their best advocate and friend.

Loretta is survived by her children, Lynn Kimball (Greg) of Boulder, Bill Joosten (Terry) of Seattle, Lora Marcano (Michael) of Atlanta, Paul Joosten of Richmond, VA; and six grandchildren. She will join her beloved husband William at Arlington National Cemetery.

Contributions in her name may be sent to Hospice Care of Boulder and Broomfield Counties, 2594 Trail Ridge Dr., Lafayette, CO 80026 or a charity of your choice. Please share thoughts, memories and condolences at legacy.com/obituaries/dailycamera