Lee Pierotti 12-29-1916 ~ 9-15-2014 Lee Pierotti, age 97, passed away at her home in Los Alamos, NM on Monday, September 15, 2014. Lee was born Lena Silvia Ruffini on December 29, 1916, in Hastings, CO, to the late Germano (Herman) Ruffini and Maria (Mary) Zannon. Upon the death of her mother at a young age, Lee was raised in Walsenburg, CO by her father and stepmother, the late Bianca Ruffini (Battisti). Lee was the “bella regazza” of her northern Italian immigrant family which ran a successful grocery business in Walsenburg. Lee attended St. Mary’s High School in Walsenburg and the University of Colorado at Boulder. In June 1944, Lee married Sgt. Louis G. Pierotti. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. 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 and Pierotti’s Floral and Gifts. Lee was a significant presence in the community as a business owner, volunteer, coach, mother of five children, and a devout Catholic. Lee is
survived by her husband, Lou Pierotti; her brother Richard Ruffini of Truth or Consequences, NM; her children, Michael Pierotti (wife Patricia) of Las Vegas, NV; Marilee Pierotti Lau (husband Chuck, deceased) 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 and two great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother Joseph Ruffini and sisters Elvira Ruffini and Pierina Michelli (husband Silvio). 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. Services for Lee included praying of the rosary on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 7 pm, and a Funeral Mass on Monday, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m., 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.
