Altagracia Apodaca

Altagracia Apodaca, 82, Colorado Springs, (formerly of Pueblo) Colorado, died at her residence peacefully in her sleep on December 17, 2020. Alta was born on June 18, 1938 in Pueblo, Colorado, to her parents Vidal and Altagracia (Lozano) Raigoza. She is preceded in death by her husband, Henry “Hank” Apodaca; Mother and Father; siblings; Eva Baca, Celia Solano, and Vidal Raigoza. Alta is survived by daughter, Debora (Kurt) Downey; son, Phillip (Vanessa) Apodaca; grandchildren Nicholas (Elise) Downey, Mitchel (Emily) Downey, Mathew Downey, Hannah Apodaca, Hallie Apodaca and great-grandchildren Henry and Claire Downey. Also survived by sister Aurora Autobee; in-laws Stella (Vidal) Raigoza, Sally (Mike) Apodaca, Mary Lou (Delfino) Apodaca and Joe (Jenny) Martinez; and numerous nieces and nephews. Alta grew up in "Bessemer," on Pine Street, where she thrived. She often spoke fondly of her childhood and her many neighborhood friends who remained close to her throughout her life. Alta loved to learn and was a very good student throughout her formative years. She graduated from Central High School in 1956 and enrolled in the Colorado State College of Education (University of Northern Colorado) to pursue a teaching degree. She attended classes for only a short while returning to Pueblo to continue her courtship with the love of her life, Hank Apodaca. She continued her education at Southern Colorado State College (CSU-Pueblo) and received an associate degree in 1958. In November of 1960, Alta and Hank were married. They enjoyed 50 years of marriage and celebrated numerous joyous events throughout their lives. They were known for their great joy of dancing and excellent cooking abilities. In 1960, Alta began working at the Colorado State Mental Hospital as a secretary. She worked for many divisions within the hospital throughout her tenure. They included Medical Records, Data Processing, Research, and eventually Forensics where she worked closely with her brother Vidal. Alta’s organizational skills, strategic thinking, and high levels of proficiency and accuracy allowed her to accomplish any task easily. She retired from the Colorado Mental Health Institute at the Pueblo State Hospital in 1993 after 33 years of successful employment. Above all, Alta was devoted to family. She worked tirelessly to ensure the success and happiness of her children and grandchildren. Alta valued education deeply and secured every educational advantage possible for her children. She imparted qualities of piety and morality to them, and often spoke of “moderation” as being the key to a happy life. Her enjoyment was witnessed easily while supporting any of her family’s endeavors, playing cards, cooking, venturing to Cripple Creek, and being an active member of the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Alta lived a full and active life and passed down many life lessons of kindness to others. Though she will be missed greatly, she leaves us without regrets and full of love.

Altagracia Apodaca

June 18, 1938 - December 17, 2020