Judy Struna

1937 - 2023

Struna, Ms. Judy
May 18, 1937 -
Judy Ann Struna of Englewood Colorado died peacefully surrounded by family on November 29, 2023. She was 86 years old and succumbed to complications associated with recently diagnosed advanced stage cancer. She is survived by her daughter Kelly Whetstone, son Stephen Struna, son in law Chanan Dayan, daughter in law Susan Douglas Struna, Grandson Jared Whetstone and his wife Kristin Raynolds; Grandson Samuel Struna and his wife Josie Struna; Grand Daughter Molly Struna Bagford and her husband Travis Bagford; and great grandchildren Quinn Whetstone (age 6), Bohden Whetstone (age 3) , Eloise Struna (age 3), Maizie Whetstone (age 2), and Sterling Struna (age 1), and her faithful Labrador Retriever Ollie (age 13).
Judy was born in Salida Colorado to Victor and Mary Struna on May 18th, 1937. She remained close with her three surviving sisters and their families - Arlene Cogan of Buena Vista, Colorado ; Marilyn Coleman of Salida, Colorado, and; Garnet Kleber of Buena Vista, Colorado. She attended Salida High School and graduated class salutatorian in 1955. She moved to Denver in 1958 and held various administrative positions with American Beauty Pasta Company, Warnicke Box Company, and the Denver Housing Authority. At the Housing Authority she rose through the ranks, was head of Internal Audit, and ultimately the Personnel Director at the time of her retirement in 1990.
An avid life long learner, she completed her Bachelors degree in fine arts in 1972 attending night school at the University of Colorado, Denver. Following retirement she often volunteered at local libraries, was a book lover - typically reading 100 books per year , and enjoyed walking her dog, time with her family, the occasional Guiness Stout, and spending time at her cabin in the hills near Nathrop, Colorado.
Her children, grand children, and great grandchildren are grateful for her wonderful grace and presence in our lives. She was always there, and always encouraged us to live in the present, learn from the past, plan for the future, and pursue life on our own terms just as she had done for 86 amazing years.