Velma Tapken Latsis

On November 13, 2023 Velma Tapken Latsis, loving wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully at the age of 88.

Born on September 19, 1935 to Bill and Mary Jane Tapken, Velma completed the Kansas-based family as the youngest of five girls. During her early years, the family relocated to Colorado, ultimately settling in her chosen long-time home of Denver.  She worked at National Jewish Hospital in Denver, where she ultimately met her husband of 66 years, Pete Latsis.

Velma was a hardworking woman from an early age, ultimately carving a career for herself in the insurance industry. No matter how successful she was, she always said her favorite role was being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She was the ultimate matriarch.

She cherished her conversations with others, always giving them her full and undivided attention. Family was an integral part of Velma’s life, prioritizing her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

While she was never an official girl scout, she could have received the highest badge of honor for “preparation and organization”, as she was notoriously known for her supplies on hand, knowing that you can count on her at a moment’s notice for anything and to anyone. Her generosity was abundant! She will be remembered for her kind spirit, love of the Hollywood awards season, the importance and persistence in wishing you a happy birthday on your special day, and the ultimate joy she experienced when sharing a meal with her family - as she believed this was how life was meant to be enjoyed.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, and husband. She is survived by her three children and their respective spouses, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held in her honor on Monday, November 20 at 11:00 AM at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral. A private family reception will be hosted following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Assumption Greek Cathedral, the American Heart Association, or The Denver Hospice.

“The ones we’ve loved are never really gone, not really, they come back to us forever after in songs, in sunsets, and Sundays in the rain” - Atticus