Elva Jean "EJ" Gaimara

EJ left her large and extended family in the early morning hours of March 21. She was 84 years old. EJ was born Elva Jean Vidick on June 8, 1941 in Leadville, Colorado to Frank Joseph and Frances (Dornick) Vidick. EJ’s father, Frank, had perished in an incident at the Climax Molybdenum Mine a few months before she was born. EJ had one older sister, Barb, who proceeded in death.

Shortly after EJ graduated in 1959 from Lake County High School in Leadville, she moved to Denver for work and sought employment at Colorado General Hospital. Eventually, she became an administrator in the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine where she worked for forty years. According to a former colleague and close friend, EJ “was very highly regarded as the go-to person for getting things done. She was truly a dynamo there and helped everyone with everything that was needed.”

After moving to Denver, EJ met Michael Gaimara. They were married on November 5, 1966. They did not have any children. Michael passed away on September 16, 2000.

EJ had a full and active life with extended family and friends until a few weeks before her death. At the time of her sudden passing, she was surrounded by a few close family members and all the beloved family and friends with her in spirit. EJ has been buried next to Michael at Fort Logan National Cemetery. She did not wish any services.

EJ is survived by the following family members; Marge Doyle Wagner (cousin), Kathi Gaimara (sister-in-law), Raymond and Lisa Gaimara, and family (nieces and nephews), Patrick (PJ) Gaimara (nephew), Julie and Reese Wagner and family (nieces and nephews), Linda Fiorella and family (nieces and nephews), and Susan Parks (niece).

EJ is also survived by her many friends; some she has known for many decades.

Donations in EJ’s memory can be made to Denver Hospice.

A gathering to honor EJ will be held at a later date. Details will be shared as soon as they are available.