Della Pauline Maldonado

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Della Pauline Maldonado, who left this world at the age of 84 on October 9, 2024. Born on September 12,1940, in Trinidad, Colorado, Della's life was a testament to love, resilience, and unwavering faith. Della was the cherished daughter of Damacio Rael and Adelita Tenorio Rael. From an early age, she embodied the values of family and community, which she carried with her throughout her life. It was her hometown of Trinidad where she met and married the love of her life, Juan Maldonado-Garcia. Together, they built a loving home and raised a beautiful family, all while Della navigated the challenges that came with being a devoted military wife. Her strength and grace shone through during her husband's multiple deployments, as she kept their family strong and united.

Della's life was marked by immense love and profound loss. She was preceded in death by her husband, Juan, as well as her children Martin, Juan Ernesto, Elmer, and Israel Maldonado, and her daughters Juanita Maldonado and Adelita Maldonado. The heartache of losing her granddaughter Rayanna Maldonado was yet another testament to her resilience and enduring spirit.

Despite the heart-wrenching losses, Della's life was filled with joy and laughter. Her infectious smile and laughter could light up any room, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her love for sunflowers and fondness for garden gnomes were just small reflections of her vibrant spirit and zest for life. Della was truly one of a kind and the strongest women her family and friends were blessed to know.

She shared her warmth and wisdom with her surviving son, Luis Maldonado, and her many grandchildren: Lorenzo Hernandez, Jessica De la Rosa, Ricky Hernandez, Yvonne Slider, Crystal Maldonado, Francis Garner, and Frank Gardner III., Johnny Sotelo, James Maldonado, Jesse Maldonado, Her legacy lives through them, their spouses, and their children, each carrying a piece of her heart with them.

Della's faith was a guiding force in her life. A prayerful woman, she held her love for God close and shared it with all those around her. She found joy in the simple pleasures, such as working on her wordfind books and coloring on her iPad. Even at 84, she delighted in cooking and trying new recipes, always eager to share her culinary creation with loved ones. Della kept herself busy and enjoyed moving her furniture around frequently which also symbolized the strength she held within.

Her unexpected passing leaves a huge void in the hearts of many. As we gather to honor her memory and celebrate her extraordinary life, we remember her as a beacon of love and strength who touched countless lives. Her laughter, kindness, and indomitable spirit will forever be etched in our hearts.

In this time of mourning let us remember Della's special message: She wanted everyone to know how much she loved them and to thank them for their love and support throughout the years. Della was loved by too many to count, and she will be missed beyond words.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Della's life will be held at Olinger Highland Mortuary on 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 10201 Grant St, Thornton, Colorado with the burial with her husband at Ft. Logan National cemetery. We invite all who knew her to join us in paying tribute to a remarkable woman, whose legacy of love and strength will continue to inspire us all.