Arna Pagano

Arna Pagano, 84, passed away on May 3rd in Littleton, Colo. with her family by her side. Arna is survived by her husband of 60 years, David Pagano; children Chris (Stephne), Julie (John) Covert, and Beth (Tim) Dillon. She is survived by six grandchildren Sarah and Elizabeth Pagano, Harrison and Colin Covert, and Grace and Kate Dillon. Arna is also survived by her dear twin brother Arnol (Sue) Simpkins and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Arna was preceded in death by her mother, Norma Adams and grandmother, Lily Mae Mosely.

A Colorado native, she was born in Cañon City, was a 1958 graduate of Centennial High School in Pueblo and earned her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education in 1962 from what was then Colorado State College in Greeley. Arna went on to teach junior high English in Pueblo until she and Dave moved to Lakewood in 1967. Between raising their kids, Arna taught English and journalism to junior high and high schoolers. She also worked in textbook sales and as a bank teller, but her most gratifying work was as a counselor at Jenny Craig Weight Loss Center. She loved connecting with and helping others. Arna was an excellent tennis player for many years, later golfed with the ‘lady niners’ when she and Dave were snowbirds in Arizona, and was always an avid reader. Arna’s biggest love was people. She adored and took pride in her family, her close friendships (some dating back to kindergarten), and her golden retriever, Molly. She was one of the ‘nicest people’ you’d meet, was incredibly kind to everyone, and was always full of compliments making those around her feel extra special. She will be dearly missed by her family and everyone that knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center at https://mscenter.org/donate.