Lydia Xenia Sarlo

Lydia Xenia Sarlo was born August 19, 1922 in Gary, Indiana to Sante Marasco and Epifania (Trevisan) Marasco. Lydia passed away February 8, 2014 at the Arkansas Valley Medical Center in La Junta, Colorado.


Lydia, or “Lee” as she was often called, graduated from Emerson High School in Gary, Indiana in 1940 and worked for the Gary Chamber of Commerce. She met and married Carmen Anthony Sarlo in 1947 while Carmen was working at Standard Oil. They lived in Gary for two years, where they had a son, Cary. The family moved to Carmen’s hometown of La Junta in 1950.


She and her husband raised seven children in La Junta, being proud that they were able to send them all to universities to earn their degrees. As a homemaker, Lydia was very involved raising her family. She loved being a homemaker which was her highest priority. Lydia never learned to drive, so walked her children to school as well as walked to all of her volunteer activities.


She loved serving and helping people and was faithful in her serving. She volunteered weekly at St. Patrick’s Church and school and Guadalupe Church and was active in serving in the yearly church bazaars. She was part of Marian Coterie, the hospital auxiliary, a hospital volunteer, and other charities. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter W. In 2007, she received a Sunshine Award for unselfish and devoted service to her community.


Lydia supported her husband in his work and community endeavors and supported his work with the Lions Club, hospital, Koshare Indian Museum, Boy Scouts, public housing, La Junta Chamber Mavericks. She traveled with him to conferences all over the world. Lee and Carmen loved to travel with all their good friends. They traveled throughout the United States and many countries to visit their family and friends. They truly enjoyed traveling with their good friends.


Lydia had a passion for reading. She loved gardening, and watching her hummingbirds come to visit her daily. Over the years she loved spending time with all her  grandchildren and great grandchildren and was very devoted to them. She was strong in her faith and believed that angels were always watching over her and her family. Lydia was admired and respected by her family and friends and was a faithful and kind friend and servant to all. Her friends described her by saying, “Lee is the definition of gentleness.”


Lydia wrote about her secret to a successful and full life: “I was fortunate to have a loving husband and family. The faith I have in my heart helps me to stay strong and deal with difficulties in life. I keep a positive attitude and keep everyone in my prayers for their health and success.”


She is survived by her children, Cary Sarlo of Boulder, CO; Carol (Tippy) Martinez of Towson MD; Karen Sue Sarlo of La Junta, CO; Kristine (Bruce) Koehler of La Junta, CO; Carla (Brian) Evans of Pleasant Hill, CA; Cherie’ (Tim) Hammer of Littleton, CO; and Sandra (Glenn) Davis of Arkansas City, KS; grandchildren, Jacen (Debbie) Martinez, Courtney (Casey) Connor, Anthony Gill, Sarly (Jamie) Dickinson, Samuel Evans, Charles Evans, Andrew Evans, Michaela Hammer, Joseph Hammer, Noah Hammer, Zachary Hammer, Tucker Davis, Cole Davis, Seth Davis, Grace Davis; and great-grandchildren, Casey Martinez, Tyler Martinez, Ryan Martinez, Acacia Connor, Jacinda Connor, Callista Connor, Caden Connor, Raelynd Dickinson and nephews, Michael (Pam) Marasco, Robert (Carmen) Marasco and Mark (Teresa) Sarlo. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 57 years, Carmen Sarlo, brother and sister-in-law, Armand and Marian Marasco; and brother-in-law, Donald Sarlo.


Memorial contributions may be made to the Koshare Indian Museum, PO Box 580, La Junta, CO 81050 or Picketwire Players, PO Box 912, La Junta, CO 81050 direct or through funeral home.


Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


Funeral services will be Friday, February 14, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, with Msgr. James Koenigsfeld officiating. The family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel.