Irene Elizabeth Richardson

Born 7th of eleven children to Ted and Lotus Braning; in a house on the hill in Central City, Colorado. As a child Irene had the opportunity to fill a few child roles in the Central City Opera house. As a teen she worked at the local stable guiding horse back trail rides. Later when she returned as a single Mom, with two small boys Steven Theodore, and Lance Dale, she worked at the Lost Gold Mine; giving mine tours.

Irene married Daryld Dean Richardson on November 26, 1971; adding 3 more siblings to the mix, Leslie, Bryan Wayne, and Eric Dean. Together they had a daughter, Linda Corene. Life took the family all over Colorado; Kitterige, Granby, Idaho Springs, Plattville, and then a 6 month stint in Tempe, AZ. Back to Akron, Colorado, where she worked as a cook in the kitchen at the local hospital while simultaneously assisting Daryld with his janitorial business, and eventually where she would become a LPN and work in the nursing home. Followed by a year in Evanston, WY where she worked at the Evanston Regional Medical Center, She worked nightshift, and in her down time would knit hats and booties for all the newborns. Then back to Palisade and eventually Grand Junction, CO, where she continued her Nursing career. First at Palisade Nursing Home, then at Community Hospital. But her heart was always in Central City.

Eventually, after becoming a widow in 1996, Irene, along with her daughter Linda were able to return to Gilpin county where she became an important member of Linda’s family helping to raise her youngest granddaughter. She knitted hats for her granddaughter’s whole class on several occasions. And eventually knitted Gilpin Eagle hats that were donated to and sold by the Booster club at games and school events.

Irene fought a decade long battle with dementia that slowly and painfully eroded her mind and her memories with it. She died peacefully at Julia Temple Healthcare Center, in Englewood, CO, on what would have been her and Daryld's 54th Anniversary. November 26th, 2025. She is whole now and they are together again at last.

Irene is survived by one sister Carol Calvert of Hotchkiss, CO, brother Melvin Braning of Lakewood, CO, and sister in-law Glenna Braning of Arvada, CO two sons Eric and Lance, daughter Linda, thirteen grand children and at least 12 great grandchildren and a whole slew of nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Ted & Lotus, her husband Daryld. Sisters Gloria, and Ana Mae. Brothers Leonard, Vern, Glen, Kenny, Larry, and Ron. Sons Bryan and Steven and a Great grandson Gage.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association.