Irene Marie Skarmas

went to be with the Lord on July 30, 2022. She was born on January 21, 1923,

in Walsenburg, Colo.

Irene grew up in Walsen Camp and then Walsenburg. She was an accountant at Fox Theater in Walsenburg before marrying the love of her life, Chris “Papa” Skarmas. In 1988, they moved to Pueblo to babysit their new granddaughter and later also their grandson. They continued to care for their grandchildren for many years and were an instrumental part of their upbringing. Irene was known for her beautiful wedding and birthday cakes that she made for so many people in Walsenburg and surrounding areas. She was a wonderful baker and cook and loved doing both for her family. Irene was also an extremely talented artist. She loved to paint, both oil and china, along with creating beautiful porcelain dolls, for which she won many awards at the Colorado State Fair. Irene and her husband, Chris, also loved creating many crafts, from jewelry, clothing, woods and many other items, and showcasing them at craft shows across Colorado. Even with all of her talent, Irene’s greatest gift and passion was her love and support that she had for her family. She and Papa were always front and center at their children’s and grandchildren’s events and were their biggest fans. Nanie so loved her great-grandchildren, who always brought so much joy to her with their time spent together. She attended many of her great-grandson’s games, even if she had to watch them from the car. No matter what life threw her way, she was always content as long as she was surrounded by her family.

Her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Chris “Papa” Skarmas; her parents, Joseph and Noemi Ladurini; sister, Lola (Charlie) Masinton; and brother, Virgil (Irene) Ladurini. She is survived by her son Chris (Chrissy Sanford) Skarmas and daughter, Cindy (Mike) Dome; her grandchildren, Josh (Jerica) Dome and Kayla (Jonny Vogel) Dome; great-grandchildren, Brock Dome and Laney Dome; special puppies, Coop, Todi, Duke and Pretzel; numerous nephews and a niece; and special friends and family, Linda Rikhoff, Bitsy Vigil and Susie Dent. The family would like to send a special thanks to the caring staff of Center Care Hospice, who showed so much compassion and loving care during a difficult time. Services will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 10:00 AM, at Imperial Funeral Chapel. Online condolences may be offered at www.imperialfunerals.com.