Liliana Nivea Katalenas

On April 9, 2019 Liliana Nivea Katalenas, a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and faithful friend passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at home at the age of 83.

Liliana was born in Villa del Nevoso, Italy to the late Ferdinando and Rosalia (Arko) Savastano. She met the love of her life, Charles Katalenas, in the church choir in Trieste Italy, and married him on November 25, 1954. Together they had many adventures and exciting time traveling. They set roots in Widefield, Colorado in 1966 and have been here ever since. Their love has been a strong foundation for the family for over 64 years.

Liliana was interested in playing cards, spending time with family, cooking wonderful Italian food and caring for children. She worked at Gideon Baptist Church, Circle Drive Baptist Church and Pike Peaks Christian Church as a care giver in the nursery. She also cared for many children throughout the years at home to include her nieces and grandchildren. Liliana was a savvy business woman purchasing and managing real estate for over 45 years. Liliana traveled to Europe and several Army Posts while raising her family and supporting her military spouse. Liliana loved baking and cooking. She was always making cookies and giving out platters of treats every chance she could get.

Liliana was a devout Catholic and a member of Holy Family Catholic Church (now St. Dominic). She lived humbly and was a very generous and kind woman. She loved each of her children passionately and unselfishly. She put their needs in front of her own winning her the award of “the world’s greatest Mom” in their hearts. Her beautiful smile and delightful laugh lit up the room when she entered and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Liliana is preceded in passing by her husband Charles, her parents Ferdinando and Rosalia (Arko) Savastano, and her brother Leno Savastano. 

Liliana will be loved and missed by her son, Charles (Marta); daughters: Elizabeth (Tom), Patricia (Donald), and Michelle (Martin); along with 10 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; her sisters: Franca Devescovi, Rosemary (Gino) Gaddini, and Fernanda (Alfio) Maugeri; and sister-in-law, Tina Savastano; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Michelle and Martin Sohlberg who cared for Liliana for the last 6 years and provided her with wonderful and loving care that only a family can provide. We appreciate all that you have done and words can not express how much we appreciate everything you have done.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church. Rosary to be held at 10:30 a.m. and a reception after the memorial service. Inurnment will be at Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum at the St. Pope John Paul II Columbarium.  Liliana’s favorite color was red (for good luck) and we are inviting everyone to wear red to celebrate and honor her wonderful life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.