Virginia M. Kelly

Virginia Mae Kelly (Yacovetta) entered this world on February 26th, 1934, two months before she was due to arrive, weighing just 2 lbs13 oz. Her arrival commanded the attention of so many that she was featured and celebrated as a miracle baby in the Rocky Mountain News. This celebration turned out to be prophetic, as Virginia spent the rest of her amazing life sharing her spark, spunkiness, and zest for life with everyone lucky enough to cross her path.

Virginia grew up in North Denver, in the terraces on 35th Ave. and Lipan St. with her mother, two older brothers, and older sister. Her grandparents on both sides immigrated from Italy, specifically Naples and Villa San Michele. She attended school at Bryant Webster Elementary, Horace Man Jr. High, and North High School. She was baptized and attended mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. As a young woman she loved music, dancing, movies, sports, and spending time with family and friends. She was part of a roller-skating club at the old Mammoth Gardens, now The Filmore Auditorium. As was the case with many of her peers at the time, Virginia left high school, and took on many jobs, including positions at a drapery factory and St. Joseph’s Hospital, in order to help support her family.

In 1966, Virginia married and moved from Colorado – first to New Mexico, and then to Florida. In 1967 she gave birth to her son Michael, and two years later, to her daughter Michelle. Her children were the light of her life. Virginia, Michael, and Michelle moved back to Colorado shortly after Michelle was born, reuniting with the family she missed so dearly. They settled in a little house in West Denver, where she quickly re-planted her roots, established great friendships, and remained for over 30 years. Many of the passions she enjoyed in her youth followed her into adulthood, and she shared these passions with her children. Listening to music, particularly her all-time favorite Elvis Presley, was one of her most cherished pastimes; she loved watching her son Michael bring joy to many as a singer in various local bands over the years. She loved sports and was a devoted Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, and Colorado Avalanche fan. She looked forward to watching sports with her daughter Michelle on their weekends together, football being her favorite, and always looked forward to the Olympic games.

For the past 21 years, Virginia lived at Holy Family Plaza, a place she truly considered home. She loved being part of such a tightly bound community, making lifelong friends along the way. Virginia enjoyed her bingo nights, birthday parties, rosary group, coffee socials, or just having a seat in the lobby and chit-chatting with her friends. She was so grateful to live within walking distance of Holy Family Catholic Church, and often attended mass there on Saturday evenings. She adored her little apartment and all the residents whom she considered family at Hoy Family Plaza.

Virginia is survived by her son Michael Kelly; daughter Michelle Kelly (Robert Poe); grandchildren John, Robert, and Ashley Poe; brother-in-law Albert Carmosino; nieces and nephews Diane Yacovetta, Steven Yacovetta (Pam), Paul Yacovetta (Juli), Annette Sarlo (Benito), Laura Kraft, Daniel Yacovetta, and Donald Yacovetta. Virginia was preceded in death by her mother Matilda Yacovetta (Mollicone), brothers Robert (Yock) Yacovetta (Doris) and Frederick (Jibbie) Yacovetta (Annabelle), and sister Mildred Carmosino.