Elizabeth C. ""Betty"" Horan

Elizabeth C. ""Betty"" Horan passed away in her sleep April 30, 2017. She was 83. Born and raised in Denver, Colorado to parents Anthony F. and Lucile L. Zarlengo, Betty graduated from Holy Family High School in 1952 and worked at Central Bank of Denver in the Trust department when she was in her early 20s. She married Joseph R. ""Joe"" Horan in 1959. They have six children: Cindy (Mike) Thompson, Dan (Barb) Horan, Tom (Lanette) Horan, Karen Horan, Mike (Stephanie) Horan, and Tony Horan. Betty and Joe moved to Arvada, Colorado in 1964, and both became active and influential members in the fast-growing Arvada community. Joe passed away in 1975, and Betty single-handedly raised their six children. After her children were on their own, Betty continued to live a full and independent life in Arvada. Strength, kindness, and compassion were her trademark. During her high school years, while her friends were out chasing boys, Betty volunteered at a nearby orphanage and helped care for the homeless infants. In the early years of her marriage, Betty volunteered with the Archbishop's Guild where she helped provide goods and financial assistance to the poor and disadvantaged. Betty's primary devotion belonged to her children. She participated in her children's lives in endless ways, including volunteering for PTA, as homeroom mother for the elementary school, and as team mother for her children's sports teams. Betty's finest talents flowed through her hands. She could create, build, and fix almost anything. She often sewed her own clothes, and she knitted and crocheted hundreds of beautiful blankets, Christmas stockings, sweaters, and more. Each item was thoroughly crafted with her signature of impeccable detail. Betty returned to work at Central Bank of Denver in the 1980s and retired from there in 1994. After retiring, she was bit by the travel bug and began to explore the world. Her diverse miles include Disney Cruises to the Caribbean, Catherine the Great's Palace in Russia, and King Tut's Tomb in Egypt. Family was most important to her. She loved nothing more than to gather her ever-growing family for Sunday dinners and parties, particularly magical Christmas gatherings in her home. Betty cherished connections with many wonderful friends, including a close circle of childhood friends: her ""Club"" friends have met monthly and have supported each other for 65 years. She enjoyed Bridge games with many friends, and in recent years, she played Mahjong often three days a week. She was actively involved in Widows or Widowers (""WOWs"") Organization, and served as their Treasurer for several years. In addition to her children, Betty is survived by her sister, Felicita ""Filly"" (Bill) Robbie, Vincent (Peggy) Zarlengo, sister-in-law Patricia Zarlengo, 11 grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. Her parents and her brother Richard Zarlengo also preceded Betty in death. A Recitation of the Rosary and sharing of memories will be held on Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 3:00 P.M. at Horan & McConaty, 7577 West 80th Avenue, Arvada, Colorado. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 8, 2017 at 10:00 A.M at Shrine of St. Anne Church, 7555 Grant Place, Arvada, Colorado. A reception will immediately follow. The Interment will be held at 1:00 PM at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 12801 West 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Please share your memories of Betty and condolences with her family by signing the guest book below.