Joanna H. (Hitchcock) Green

Joanna H Green, of Pueblo died surrounded by family and friends on July 12, 2024.  Joanna was 89 years old. She was born in Yuma, Colorado on October 29, 1934, to Gladys and Leslie Hitchcock. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Gilbert Green, her oldest daughter, Jacque Green and her parents, sisters and baby brother. She was affectionately known as Mommom or Granny to many. Joanna is survived by her children, Judith Green, Jerri (John Hart) Green and Kelly (Pam) Green, grandchildren Cori (Tucker)Freed, Christopher Salameno, Crystal (Scott) Gregory, Paul (Mischelle) Mikulas, Melissa Mikulas, and great grandchildren Wyatt Martin, Jarrett Freed, Lauren and William Mikulas. brother Alan Hitchcock, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Joanna grew up in Vernon, Colorado, moving to the San Luis Valley for most of her childhood. It was there she found the love of her life, Gilbert. They married in 1951 and settled in Alamosa before moving to Pueblo and starting a family.  They were involved in 4-H with their children and grandchildren, raising sheep and pigs and watching their daughters Square Dance. She loved bringing the lambs & piglets into the house to warm them up. She loved the “Valley” and the Sand Dunes. Joanna was able to visit there the last few years, being pulled on to the dunes in a garden cart, where she treasured her great grandchildren frolicking in the spring run-off and a picnic with her family. She loved to watch her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren together. She especially loved the latest cornhole competitions in her front yard. 

Joanna earned two Master’s Degrees, Childhood Counseling and Early Childhood Education from Adam State college. She began her teaching career with Dist. 60 and spent most of her 40 plus years teaching 3rd Grade at Ben Franklin Elementary. She was very proud of the International Play she directed each year. She and her friend Berna Rizer taught each student to study their heritage and even directed a small play including songs from around the world and ended with a potluck of meals from around the world. She retired in 1994 and continued to substitute into her early 80’s. She also taught VBS at Mesa Christian Fellowship up to last year. She was a member of TOPS CO#7, Pueblo, played Bunco with several different groups both on the Mesa and in town. Joanna enjoyed family BBQ’s, fishing in San Isabel, gardening (and always overplanted zucchini), canning (BUSHELS of tomatoes), playing pinnacle, cribbage, canasta and hand & foot cards games, car rides and mostly spending time with family and friends. If a movie was in her plans, you can bet it was a Hallmark movie. She had an undying love for her green chili at the Pantry, a good cup of coffee at the local breakfast nooks, and an ear to bend. She learned to quilt these past few years from church ladies and has made a few keepsake quilts for family. 

In the past few years, Joanna developed a special friendship with her friend and caretaker, Aracely (Chely) Gutierrez. They spent hours teaching each other how to cook their favorite recipes and Joanna was teaching Aracely how to quilt.  Thank you, Aracely, for being so patient and caring for Granny until she took her last breath. 

Joanna has been laid to rest next to Gilbert. The family is planning a Celebration of Life this fall. Please watch for an announcement later. 

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