Lillian Pocrnick

Lillian Rose Pocrnick passed away on July 15, 2022 at age 92. She was born in Denver, Colorado on October 21st, 1929 to Amelia and John Yelenick, and was the youngest of four children. After graduating from Annunciation High School in 1947, she worked at the First National Bank of Denver. She called the neighborhood of Globeville home,  and attended Holy Rosary Catholic Church until marrying Anthony Pocrnick, a Denver University Hockey player in 1954. In Wheat Ridge, together she and Tony raised their six children and were members of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church for 66 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband Tony, her parents John and Amelia, her siblings John, Mary (Jules Desalvo), Joseph, and numerous cousins.

She is survived by her children Judy Smith, Joan (Tom Keyes), Jim (Nancy Metrick), Mary Majetich, Dan (Christine), Therese (Meredith Pocrnick-Wells). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Christopher, Brian (Meaghan), Jared, Jordan, Katie, Joey (Whitney), Amelia, Rachel (Sean Foley), Matthew, Heather (Steven Baldassar), and Sara (Trevor Horn), as well as 11 incredible great-grandchildren.

Lastly, she is survived by beloved family members Maesel Yelenick, Laverne Yelenick, Josie Jersen, and Mary Canjar, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Lillian was devoted to her family and to God. She served both with silent strength, humility, and kindness. Lillian wasn’t just a cheerleader at Annunciation, she cheered for every Denver sports team no matter what kind of season they were having, although she also openly rooted for Tom Brady to the confusion of her family.  She never forgot a birthday or a friend, and was famous for her annual handwritten Christmas cards. There is nothing that Lillian enjoyed more than a cup of black coffee…or glass of wine…and a chat. Lillian also had a sweet tooth, preferring the sweets of her childhood - Necco wafers specifically - a trait she passed down to at least two of her children. Unfortunately, despite her patient instruction, none of her children mastered her legendary potica recipe. In recent years, she took comfort knowing that she would be reunited with her many loved ones and knowing that her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will carry on her memory.

The funeral service will be held on July 25th at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 3900 Pierce Street, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. Rosary at 9:30 am followed by a Mass at 10:00 am.  Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 12801 W. 44th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033, at noon. All are welcome to join a celebration of Lillian's life with a reception to follow at 1 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4377 Utica Street, Denver, CO 80212.  Horan and McConaty will be handling the funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lillian’s name to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4688 Pearl Street, Denver, CO 80216, or Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 3900 Pierce Street Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.