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PIEROTTI, LEE Age 97, passed away at home on Monday, September 15, 2014. Born Lena Silvia Ruffini on December 29, 1916, in Hastings, Colorado, to the late Germano (Herman) Ruffini and Maria (Mary) Zannon. She was raised in Walsenburg, Colorado, by her father and stepmother, the late Bianca Ruffini (Battisti). Lee was the "bella regazza" of her northern Italian immigrant family. As a young woman she traveled to Europe several times to visit her family in Italy and met Pope Pius XI at the Vatican. Lee attended St. Mary's High School in Walsenburg and the University of Colorado at Boulder. She worked as a medical assistant in Walsenburg and was one of 5 finalists in a war- time beauty pageant in Colorado. In June 1944 Lee married Sgt. Louis G. Pierotti. They celebrated their 70th anniversary this year. Lee and Lou moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico in 1951, becoming prominent merchants in the "Atomic City" with the establishment of Pierotti's Soda Bar in the Community Center and Pierotti's Floral and Gifts on Central Avenue. Lee was a significant presence in the community as a business owner, volunteer, coach, mother of five children, and a devout Catholic. She actively managed all aspects of the restaurant business. At the floral shop, she worked tirelessly as floral designer making arrangements for all occasions and countless corsages for every student who attended a Hilltopper homecoming or prom. Lee was active in many sports and was a founder and first president of the Los Alamos Lassie League in the early 60's. At the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church she provided and maintained the floral arrangements and plants and helped organize the Newman Club. Lee is survived by her husband Lou Pierotti; her brother Richard Ruffini of T or C, NM; her children Michael Pierotti (wife Patricia) of Las Vegas, NV; Marilee Pierotti Lau of San Francisco; Lew Pierotti (wife Ruth) of Columbus, OH; Dr. David Pierotti of Flagstaff, AZ; and Peter Pierotti (wife Dinah) of Albuquerque; seven grandchildren, Lisa, Michael Jr. (wife Stephanie), Jason, Stephanie, Jessica, Philip and Caroline; two great-grandchildren, Christopher and Briana; several nieces and nephews, and many family members and friends. She is predeceased by her brother Joseph, sisters Elvira Ruffini and Pierina Michelli (husband Silvio), and Marilee's husband Chuck who was also Lee's Godson. Lee was a friend to many and loved by all. Those closest to her will remember her most for her sensitivity, faith, and steadfast love. Family and friends are invited to attend a Rosary, Sunday, Sept. 21st at 7pm and a Funeral Mass, Monday Sept. 22nd, at 11am, both at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos. Condolences and memories of Lee can be provided by visiting www.devargasfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Lee's name to the Sanctuary at the Canyon's Edge (Hospice House) at 2202 Canyon Rd, Los Alamos, NM 87544.
        Published on: Sun September 21, 2014