Esther Gerace, matriarch of Welby Gardens, dies at 96

Esther "Grandma" Gerace, the matriarch of Welby Gardens, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her children on Feb. 20. She was 96 years old. Born on April 4, 1920, she was the daughter of Rosina and Carmine Pugliese. Esther was raised in Irondale, Colo. with her three siblings. She married Alex Gerace on November 6, 1938, and they were happily married for 62 years until his death on April 1, 2001. She was preceded in death by her daughter Phil Finnell, granddaughter DeAnn Ball, grandson Lee Campbell. She is survived by 5 children, 15 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. 

Esther and Alex were the foundation of Gerace family business, Welby Gardens. Esther's love for flowers inspired Welby Gardens to grow into the business we know today. Esther was the strength of the family, never shying away from back breaking work. In the early years she could be found working in the fields and later in the retail shop until finally retiring at 92 years old. Family and friends knew they would find her in the shop awaiting their visit with cookies and coffee. She will live on in the beautiful family she nurtured and loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate your donations to the following funds:

Phil Finnell Scholarship:

ATTN: CHREF

Phil Finnell Scholarship Fund

959 S Kipling Pkwy Suite 200 | Lakewood CO 80226

303.758.6672

info@coloradonga.org

http://www.coloradonga.org/chref.php

Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter:

 Alzheimer's Association of Colorado

455 Sherman Street Suite 500 | Denver 80203

1.800.272.3900

Photo courtesy of Welby Gardens; www.hardyboyplant.com