Dilia Mapelli Taylor

Dilia Mapelli Taylor of Lakewood, Colorado passed away on April 20, 2024 at the age of 90.  Loving mother, friend and educator.  

Dee was born in Denver to Mario L. and Anna Mapelli.  One of four children, they had a wonderful upbringing in North Denver while attending St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School.  Dee also attended St. Mary’s Academy, Loretto Heights College, and CU.  After teaching for 12 years in Denver Public Schools she met Richard Taylor and they were married in June of 1967 at St. Catherine of Siena Church.  They were blessed with two children, Elisa and Anthony.   After taking off 10 years to stay home with the children, Dee entered education again as a teacher at Notre Dame Elementary School, where Elisa and Anthony attended.  She then was named principal of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School, where she remained for 15 years.  She finished her career as a Middle School Theology teacher at Our Lady of Fatima until she retired at age 80.  After Richard passed away in 2013, Dee moved to Carmel Oaks Independent Retirement Community, where she lived until her passing.  She was at peace.  Her faith was primary in her life, as anyone who knows Dee can attest.  Dee will be remembered as someone who could light up a room and make every person in that room feel special.     She is survived by her sister Maria Mapelli Johnson, brother Mario J. Mapelli and his wife Linda, children Elisa and Anthony Taylor, stepdaughter and stepson Gail and Paul Kinnes, nephew David Johnson and his wife Linda and daughter Haley, niece Gina Schulz and her husband John and son John-David.A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11:00AM, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 1985 Miller Street, Lakewood. A reception will immediately follow at the church.  

Dilia will be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery with her husband on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 10:00AM. 

Please share your memories of Dee and condolences with her family by signing the guest book below.