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Elizabeth Testa Obituary
Elizabeth met Pete Testa, the love of her life, while working as a Construction Project Manager in California.
Elizabeth and Pete moved to the Durango area 25 years ago, and made many good friends in the community. She served as the President of the Back Country Horsemen, Executive Director of the 4 States Ag Expo, Publicity and Editorial Manager for American Youth Horse Association, and was an editor for many literary publications.
Elizabeth enjoyed horseback riding, animals of all kinds, cooking reading, hiking, and art. She loved the written word and she was an eloquent writer.
Her laughter was infectious, her spirit filled a room before she entered it, and her devotion to her position as Executive Director of the Durango Education Foundation was her true passion for the last 6 years.
Above all else, she cherished her family. She leaves behind her husband, Pete. She was also a loving stepmother to Pete's children Christine (Cameron) Seitz, Peter Michael Testa, and Terri (Gary) Ettinger. One of her greatest joys was being an adoring and adored grandmother to Jessica, Andrew, Kyle, and Claire.
She is survived by her heartbroken sisters, Frances Tucker, Katherine (Jack) Schoellerman, nephew John (Anna) Schoellerman, great nephew Marco Schoellerman, and niece Anne (Dan) Cagney and many cousins and friends.
Elizabeth's family would like to express their deep appreciation for the outpouring of compassion and assistance. A celebration of Elizabeth's life will be hosted by the Durango Education Foundation September 30, 2017 at 2:00 at Karen and Jerry Zink's farm, 259 County Road 216, Durango, CO 81303
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Elizabeth Testa Memorial Fund, Durango Education Foundation, 201 East 12th St., Durango, CO 81301.
Be around the light bringers,
the magic makers, the world shifters
the game shakers.
They challenge you, break you open,
uplift + expand you
They don't let you play small with your life.
These heartbeats are your people.
These people are your tribe. (Unknown source)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Testa
Jill Montgomery
September 9, 2022
Five years seems so long to have this lovely lady out of our lives. Her generous spirit touched so many. She is not forgotten and lives on through her good works and kind words, in the hearts of her friends and family always.
Roberta Summers
September 27, 2017
Elizabeth filled my heart up. Time spent with her made my cup runneth over. I'll miss her beyond words. My deepest sympathy to Pete and family.
Esther Ryser
September 21, 2017
My sincere and deep condolences to the loss of this beautiful person. I used to interact with her when working at Durango Mall and truly enjoyed her spirit and devotion to the cause. She will be truly missed and is leaving a great void for her family and DEF. May the memories of this sweet woman help ease the pain of her loss.
Jill Montgomery
September 19, 2017
The poem selected for Elizabeth's obituary is a perfect match. She was a light bringer. Her work with me on the American Youth Horse Council and for the Animal Welfare Council elevated the communication we shared on behalf of these organizations to a whole new level. She was a huge help to me professionally as my editor but the much greater gift to me was her friendship. A dreamer and an achiever, she helped, no challenged you to do your best...and never changed happy to glad... I am so grateful to have known her.
Sending love and condolences to Elizabeth's entire dear family.
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September 19, 2017
What a beautiful lady! So giving of her time to benefit our youth!
You will be missed!
Trish Grogan
Elaine Ehlers
September 18, 2017
So sad...what a special soul!! I remember the first time I met Elizabeth while interviewing her for her Director for DFE as a board member. I was thinking " How could we be so lucky?" ....spunky, open, passionate and bright. May you find peace in your loss eventually for a life extinguished too quickly.
Bev Warburton Ed Haynes
September 14, 2017
Elizabeth was an extraordinary person always helping, smiling and leading. There are the wonderful smells of horses and the lovely warming house they shared with us. To say we miss her is a huge understatement. Our love to Pete and her family who must feel washed overboard. May all these feelings of love and thanks for sharing touch you with some warmth and comfort.
Art and Pat Berg
September 14, 2017
Our hearts and prayers our with Elizabeth's family. She had such a joy of life. Elizabeth was a wonderful friend, and we will miss her deeply.
Johnna Blanchard
September 14, 2017
Such an amazing and accomplished woman. She will be missed but heaven has welcomed another angel.
Jason Austin
September 13, 2017
Elizabeth was an amazing person. I loved working with her while I was at 9-R. Her wit, generosity, wonderful smile and kind heart will be severely missed. Her passing is a huge loss for 9-R, the students, teachers, and community.
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