Elaine Marie Sanderson

Elaine Marie Sanderson, 70, of Arvada, Colorado, died in Wheatridge, Colorado on August 17, 2023. She was born September 25, 1952, to the late Joe and Matilda Trujillo in Alamosa, Colorado. Elaine was survived by her children Natalie, Leonard, and Jay Sanderson; her five wonderful grandchildren Emma, Lexi, Brady, Weston and Rj; bothers' Nick Trujillo (Teresa), Jim Trujillo (Jacquelyn), Floyd Trujillo (Frances), Jerry Montoya, and Vernon Trujillo; sisters' Anna Trujillo, Crystal Trujillo, and Sabrina Trujillo-Deen (Robert); many nieces and nephews; and many loved ones whom she considered her family. Elaine joined her late parents, husband Jerry Sanderson, and sister Gloriann Trujillo in a joyous reunion above.

Elaine was first hospitalized in 2009, where she was in a coma for seven days and diagnosed with kidney and liver disease. Although it did not look promising, her strong will and the love of her family brought her through. A true miracle from God. The next 14-years proved challenging for her and her health. She was in and out of the hospital for various reasons. Every time it seemed dim, she proved how strong she really was and made a recovery. The number of miracles we experience with her were countless. We often joked how she was a cat with nine lives.

One of her favorite pass times was watching the Denver Broncos. There was no point in trying to do anything or talk with Elaine on Bronco Sunday. If you did stop by to visit during a Bronco game, you were greeted with a room of her favorite Bronco items. If you moved them to be able to sit, you would get an ear full.

Elaine had two cats, Sophie and Taz, whom she loved with all her heart. We often credited them for giving her such a strong will to live just to make sure they were taken care of...even though Taz was mean. Taz became mom's guard cat and only she could touch her. Both brought her so much comfort and love.

Through all of Elaine's pain and illness, she always had her sense of humor and loving spirit. She was a true social butterfly and spoke to anyone that would listen. A trait she got from her father. Her dialysis center said she was always the one trying to cheer up others and was such a joy to be around. She never liked saying good-bye, so you would have to tell her an hour before you wanted to leave that you were about to leave, which was fitting of her last days with us.

Elaine had been hospitalized and then transferred to rehab for recovery. Although this had happened many times in the past, this time was a little different. She didn't recover as well as she had in the past. When she got sick again in rehab and had to be rushed to the ER, we knew it was time to finally let her start her journey home. We were blessed with 14-days to tell her how much we loved her. In those days, she had a "burst of energy" and came out of her coma like state for three days. We were able to have short conversations with her and reminisce about the past. She lite up when friends and family called or visited and read her passages from the Bible - proving the strength of her faith. We got to enjoy several moments where her sense of humor had us all wanting to go have a beer. On the day of her passing and on Natalie's way home for a quick break, a black cat crossed her path and was running with such joyful energy. A few minutes later, hospice called to let her know Elaine had passed.

Elaine will always be remembered for her deep love for her friends and family. We will miss her smile and warm heart, and we will forever be grateful that she was a part of our lives.