Lila Mae Pedroza

Beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother

Lila Mae Pedroza, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026, at age 87, surrounded by her family.

Born Lila Mae Griego on June 27, 1939, in Denver, Colorado, she grew up in the city’s west side neighborhoods. From humble beginnings, she built a life defined by hard work, fierce loyalty, and a willingness to stand up for what she believed in. She was proud of her Native and Hispanic heritage and cared deeply about her community.

Lila began fighting for causes she believed in at 16. She remained active in Colorado Democratic politics and received the Adams County Democrat of the Year Award. An active volunteer in Commerce City, she advocated for neighborhood recreation centers and other community needs. As a young woman, she served as a social worker for Adams County, providing support for children and spouses experiencing abuse. She later retired after more than two decades as an RTD bus driver.

Above all, Lila’s greatest legacy was her family. She met her husband and love of her life, Edward Andrew Pedroza, as a teenager, and they were married for 46 years before his death in 2003. Lila and Edward were a steady source of support for their three children, often caring for their grandchildren from their earliest years. Together they played an active role in helping raise them, giving their time, love, and care generously. Those years together formed the close bonds their grandchildren cherish today, and the family remains deeply grateful for all they did. Following Edward's death, Lila continued to nurture these bonds, leaving an everlasting imprint on the hearts of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will carry her spirit forward.

Lila was strong, tough, outspoken, and sometimes stubborn. Those who knew her never had to wonder where she stood—or how much she loved them. She loved fiercely and said “I love you” often. Her warmth also touched the friends and caregivers at her assisted living community.

Her final days included time surrounded by all her loved ones, watching her favorite game shows, and enjoying homemade huevos rancheros with fresh tortillas. She found comfort in having family around her and in the thought of being reunited with her husband, saying, “I’m going to be with Grandpa.”

Lila was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Andrew Pedroza; her mother, Sally Chavez; her grandmother, Patrocinia Arguello; and her brothers, Alexander Chavez and Alfred Griego.

She is survived by her children, Edward Andrew Pedroza, Jr., Edith Ann Pedroza, and Fred Michael Pedroza (Lenore Pedroza); her grandchildren, Deanna Pedroza (Brian Abert), Janessa Bauman (J.P. Bauman), Tara Boysen (Bradley Boysen), Michael Pedroza (Samantha Pedroza), Nicholas Pedroza (Sambo Pedroza), Monique Gonzalez, Domonique Pedroza, Fred Pedroza, Jr., and Enrique Pedroza; and her great-grandchildren, Logan Boysen, Teegan Boysen, Braxton Boysen, Elisea Pedroza, Sophia Abert, Nathan Abert, Micah Arriaga, Aaliya Arriaga, and Ezekiel Pedroza. Lila also shared a close bond with Barbara Peterson, whom she called her "daughter from another mother."

Lila’s strength, loyalty, and love live on through her family. She will be deeply missed and always remembered.

Family and friends are warmly invited to join in celebrating Lila’s life:

Funeral Service:

Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM

Holy Ghost Catholic Church

1900 California St., Denver, CO 80202

Reception Following the Service:

Kokopelli Beer Company

8931 N. Harlan St., Westminster, CO 80031