Ida M. Schanze

Ida Schanze, 86, passed away December 3, 2013, due to complications from pneumonia. Born March 20, 1927 in Providence, Rhode Island, she was the eldest of seven, first generation, Italian American children from the union of Adelina and Arduino DiRuzzo. Ida came of age in the Great Depression and World War II era and like so many of her generation, these events formed her life's view of the world! Ida expanded her horizons from her Rhode Island roots and became a WAF joining the Woman's Air Force. In the Air Force, Ida met the love of her life Don Schanze and made many life long friends. Don and Ida started a family and together with their children traveled around the United States and Europe. After Don's retirement from the Air Force, he and Ida decided to make their home in one of the places they loved the most in their travels, Colorado. At the foot of the Rockies in their Morrison home, Don and Ida lived their lives raising their families, working, traveling, spending summers in Vail and enjoying the company of friends. When late in their lives Don became ill with cancer, Ida devoted herself to her husband's care until he eventually passed from the disease. Don's death forever changed Ida; however, in her senior years she was able to find joy in her children, her grandchildren and interest in health foods and supplements and her Catholic faith. Ida held many accountant positions in her career life, most notable of late were with The Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association and Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. Ida had many loyal customers whose taxes she did exclusively for years. Ida is survived by daughter, Jean [Joe] of Morrison Colorado, son, George [Mary] of Pueblo, Colorado; grandchildren, Michael of Morrison Colorado and Conrad of Norfolk, Virginia; sister, Anna [Louis]; brothers, Ronald, Robert and Anthony [Theresa], all of North Providence, Rhode Island; and numerous nieces & nephews. Funeral Mass to be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 9:30AM at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado 80227. Interment to follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Please share memories of Ida and condolences with her family by signing the online guestbook below.