Betty Jo Albo (née Vaughn) passed away Friday, November 24, 2023. Born on September 20, 1924, in Pueblo, Colorado, Betty had recently celebrated her 99th birthday.

A child of the great depression, Betty's early life was less than idyllic. For the majority of her childhood, Betty lived in an orphanage with her two younger sisters, Ruby and Margaret. At 17, she was thrust abruptly into adulthood, caring for her terminally ill mother and then briefly serving as her sisters' official guardian.

At Pueblo Junior College, Betty met Gene Albo who became her husband in 1949. Betty and Gene moved to Aurora, Colorado in 1953, where they raised 3 children and created a happy and socially-active life together. Gene passed away in 2015, after 65 years of marriage.

With a passion for the arts, Betty was a longtime attendee of the theater, the symphony, and the opera. She was a voracious reader of literary and contemporary fiction, and she even dabbled in oil painting. Betty's love of creativity and the arts extended to her family and she wholeheartedly encouraged and praised any artistic endeavor or pursuit.

Unlike Gene, Betty didn't have much interest in sports or athletics. That said, she became an avid walker later in life and even completed several 10Ks, often ranking among the top 10 participants in her age category.

Betty treasured her family, and maintained close and loving relationships with: her children Stephanie Piechowski (husband John), David Albo (wife Patty), and Tim Albo; her grandchildren Breann Goebel (husband Mark) and Matt Piechowski; and her great-granddaughter Clara Goebel.

Despite the obstacles that she faced early in her life—or perhaps because of those obstacles—Betty was an eternal optimist who appreciated every moment in her life, from the big events to the smallest everyday joys. Remarkably, Betty even dealt with the final challenge of her life, advanced dementia, with grace and patience.

Those close to Betty will remember her vitality, sensitivity, and elegance. She will be missed greatly.