Vivian Leyba

Vivian G. Leyba was born Vivian Rita Gallegos on June 14, 1921 in Denver, Colorado to Candelario and Tomasita Gallegos. She was the oldest of 7 children, five sisters and one brother. Vivian was raised in northeast Denver and attended Denver Public Schools, graduating from Manual High School. During World War II she lived and worked in Washington, D.C. as a secretary. At the conclusion of the war she returned to Denver. She married Lee Leyba in 1947. In June of 1948 a son, Stanley Thomas was born in Denver. Three years later, in 1951, a daughter, Ernestine Ann was born.

Vivian was a working mother and was employed at the Livestock Exchange Building in north Denver. There she worked for the Hartford Insurance Company and then for many years in the Colorado State Brand Inspection Office. She and Lee devoted much time to their children and were active in their church and some other social groups.

After the children were grown, she and Lee enjoyed traveling, especially to Las Vegas. Vivian was a crafty gambler and often came back from Vegas with more money than she took. They also developed an avid interest in bowling. She loved to bowl and continued to participate in leagues into her 70's. They also enjoyed spending time with their 3 grandchildren, Chris, Billy and Vince.

Lee passed in 1984 and she lived on her own until 2004. During this time, her 2 great-grandchildren, Jade and Olivia came into her life. She then moved to The Gardens at St. Elizabeth. At The Gardens Vivian used her knitting and crafting skills to make numerous items for fundraising and the less fortunate. At The Gardens she was a fashion plate and everyone always complimented her on her coordinated outfits. She loved living at The Gardens and told everyone about it. She even won the Wii bowling tournament, which was a source of pride for her. Vivian had an extraordinary memory and was a super speller, largely due to her passion for crossword puzzles. She was still doing her crossword puzzles until the last couple of days at Hospice.

Vivian had many, many friends and was much loved by her very large extended family. She will be dearly missed and leaves a hole in the heart of the many whose lives she touched.