Duran

First Name: Erma

Middle Name: G.

Maiden Name: Duran

Last Name: Gallardo

Current Address: 423 Main/P.O. Box 468, La Jara, CO 81140

I married Orlando J. Gallardo 36 years ago and we raised two children, a daughter and a son in Westminster, Colorado.

Our eldest, Scarlett Y. Gallardo, passed away on June 26, 2002, of cancer at age 34. She taught us about courage, while preparing for the final journey, that most of us deny. I am a better person for having been her mother and it was my privilege to advocate for her medical needs as we cared for her in our home. Before her illness, Scarlett represented major retail stores and recruited and groomed entry level employees. She promoted a strong work ethic in her young employees, a quality much needed today.

Our son, Derek O. Gallardo is 32 and married with one daughter. He resides in Colorado Spring. He produces computer wafers at ATMEL. He works hard at his profession and even harder at parenting, the hardest job that we all do.

I was a stay at home mom in the early days. As the children grew, I worked for several home care agencies, caring for clients in their homes. I also performed office work for health care agencies. In later years and to date, I work as an Office Manager of Corporate Affairs, for my husband’s company – Gallardo Mechanical Systems, Inc. (We do commercial/residential heating, AC, and plumbing)

We returned to my husband’s hometown in the San Luis Valley and work hard to provide “work” in an economically depressed area of Colorado. It’s been a struggle but we manage to keep afloat and find time to advocate for Veterans, and volunteer at a Hospice. I enjoy giving back to the people who helped me in my darkest hour.

We enjoy the slower pace as we build our house in the mountains. We hope to have time to fish, hike and spend time with friends and family in the near future at our new home.

We have traveled as a couple, and as a family in the USA and Europe. Our last trip was to Israel. I would like to do more traveling and, if time permits, will do so.

High school holds fond memories because we lived in a kinder, gentler time and had great teachers, mentors and uncomplicated friendships.

I will miss being with you and I wish many well, healthy, productive and successful years.