Phyllis Mariano
08.02.26
Phyllis Mae (Anselmo) Mariano, 90, of Trinidad, CO, died of natural causes on August 2, 2026, in Arvada, CO.
Phyllis was born in Trinidad to Ralph and Teresa Anselmo, the youngest of three. She grew up in the mining town of Delaugha, CO. The family moved to Trinidad when she was a young girl. Phyllis attended Holy Trinity Catholic schools from 8-12th grade and graduated in 1953. After graduation she attended St. Catherine’s School of Nursing at Creighton University in Omaha, NE and graduated in 1956 as a Registered Nurse with a Diploma of Nursing. She also earned a degree as a Physician Assistant in 1997 from the University of North Dakota.
Phyllis was married on August 17, 1957, in Trinidad to Victor H. Mariano and they had three children. She spent most of her nursing career at Mt San Rafael Hospital as a dedicated operating room nurse working side by side with Dr. Stanley H. Biber as he pioneered and perfected sex reassignment surgery. After 20+ years at the hospital she then went to work for Dr. Joseph Jimenez in his office. It is there that Dr. Joe encouraged her to return to school and get her PA degree late in life. After 50+ years as a dedicated and caring health care professional, she retired in 2008. She was loved and respected by all her patients and co-workers.
Besides full-time work as a nurse and homemaker, Phyllis and her family lived on a farm with sheep, goats and dairy cattle. Together they operated the Mariano Dairy for over 20 years and then added the Mariano Goat Dairy for another 10 years, where she was in charge of making cheese which they sold throughout the community.
She was an avid reader and after retirement, not being one to sit around, decided to volunteer at the Carnegie Public Library. Then from 2010-2025 she volunteered at the Colorado Welcome Center where she logged 1900 volunteer hours as a Travel Counselor helping travelers choose their perfect destination.
Phyllis also had a creative side. She started painting at The Art Cottage in Trinidad and then set up her own art space at home. She continued painting during her time in Arvada and also did many other arts and crafts projects. She loved displaying her creations for everyone to enjoy.
Phyllis truly cherished her life in Trinidad. One of her favorite parts of the day was looking out her window to admire the breathtaking view of Fishers Peak. It was a sight that never failed to bring her peace.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, Victor H. Mariano and her son, Victor A. Mariano. She is survived by her daughters Teresa Gonzalez and Tamzi (Joseph) Bramante; daughter-in-law Beverly Todd; grandchildren Vicki (Josh) Gordon, Emilie (Chandler) Denton, Vincent Mariano, Liza Shropshire and Alexander Gonzalez; great grandchildren Grayson Gordon, Enzo and Everett Denton and Shyloh-Everette Skylar Mariano and her former daughter-in-law Cheri Deluca.
In honor of Phyllis’s wishes, the memorial service will be private, and no flowers or donations are requested. Condolences can be addressed to:
Teresa Gonzalez 3991 Hendricks Rd Connell, WA 99326
Tamzi Bramante 4402 Oak View Dr Sarasota, FL 34232