Rita Mae Elsen

Rita Mae (Molloy) Elsen passed away at 90 years. of age on March 28, 2020. She was born in Denver, Colorado on July 17, 1929 the youngest of three daughters of James and Marie (Bush) Molloy.

Rita graduated from Holy Family High School in 1947. Following graduation, she held numerous clerical positions during her career. Rita met her husband to be, Hilmar Elsen in '51, they married in 1953 and started their family in 1954. Rita and Hilmar settled in Denver, had three daughters and, later, they moved the family to Lakewood.

Throughout her life Rita kept herself busy by engaging in many hobbies and activities that included bowling, ceramics, beading and working with stained-glass where she made many friends along the way. There were also the ever constant crossword puzzles and good books that she immersed herself in.

Rita loved unconditionally, gave a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, a smile or hug to share as well as took every opportunity to express her quick wit. There was no one that she met that she didn't open her heart and home to, not only extended family, but to the many friends who came her way. She was a constant support of her grandchildren in their sport endeavors and was always appreciated and remembered as a feisty yet proud fan!

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Hilmar and her sisters: Jacquelyn and Barbara and her dear lifelong friend, Rita (Kennedy) Hill. Rita is survived by daughters: Helen Grigg, Lorraine Elsen, Margaret (Jim) Brennan as well as her grandchildren: Chad (Monica), Lane (Kali), Aubrey, Kirsten, Coleman, Rebecca (Nick), 13 great-grandchildren and numerous extended family. Rita valiantly fought the ravages of Alzheimer's disease for nearly the last 10 years of her life. Throughout it all she kept a wonderful sense of humor that was often appreciated by those that stayed in touched with her as well as the caregivers who came into her life especially Sharon Heinz.

Rita lived a full life and she will be greatly missed by all. Tentative plans for interment are on July 17, 2020 at Fort Logan National Cemetery with her Celebration of Life on July 18, 2020. Full details pending.

Please know how dearly we would love to share this time with you, but if you are not comfortable attending due to COVID19, we completely respect and understand. However, if you do attend either/both, masks are advised. Please remember yours. We will take other precautions where needed as well.

Interment Service:
When: Friday, July 17, 2020
Place: Ft. Logan Cemetery – 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd – Enter through the north entrance located on Sheridan Blvd – we will gather at Staging Area C . Please drive ahead and watch signage on your right to direct you there.
Time: 11 a.m. – This is the time Ft. Logan requires us to gather. Those at the staging area will then be directed to Shelter C (it is not near staging area) for the service, which will begin at 11:15 and last approximately 20 minutes. There will not be a formal gathering after Friday’s service.

Celebration of Life:
When: Saturday, July 18, 2020
Place: Green Mountain Townhomes 1 (GMTH1) 12691 W. Alameda Drive (look for the blue balloons.) There is limited parking near the clubhouse. If needed, please drop passengers at the clubhouse and use street parking.
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – This is an open house event. Food and beverage will be provided.

Please come remember and celebrate Rita’s life with us.

Love,
Helen, Lorraine, Margaret, and Family

Graveside Service: July 17, 2020 11:15 am

Fort Logan National Cemetery
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80236
(303) 761-0117
https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftlogan.asp

Celebration of Life Reception: July 18, 2020 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Green Mountain Townhomes 1
12691 W. Alameda Drive
Lakewood, CO 80228