Janelle Sue (Beltramo) Bergant

With heavy hearts, yet hearts full of love and gratitude, we share the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and teacher, Janelle Beltramo Bergant.  

Janelle was born on July 17, 1953, in Pueblo, Colorado. Aside from her undergraduate and graduate studies, she spent her entire life in Cañon City, Colorado - a community she deeply loved and faithfully served. As a young woman, she was an accomplished baton twirler. She proudly led young girls in her Sweetheart Twirling Corps, demonstrating her natural gift for leadership and encouragement. 

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Elementary Education from the University of Southern Colorado in 1976 and later received her Master of Arts in Reading 

(K-12) from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs in 1984. 

Janelle met Frank at Southern Colorado State College. They were married on June 5, 1976, at the United Presbyterian Church in Cañon City. Together they shared 49 beautiful years of marriage built on friendship, partnership, laughter and unwavering devotion. 

They raised their son, Steven Bergant, and daughter, Maggie Samolis, with endless love. 

Janelle and Frank cherished every moment of parenting. Their home was a gathering place filled with warmth, encouragement, and countless pots of chili and trays of cookies - especially during Steven's football seasons. Family trips became treasured traditions: a joy that continued into years spent traveling with their grandchildren. They shared an Alaskan cruise with their 5 grandsons last summer. They were steadfast supporters in every endeavor their children and grandchildren pursued. 

Janelle's greatest joy was her family. She is lovingly remembered by her son Steven Bergant (Amy Bergant) and grandsons Owen, Gunner, Quentin and Bodhi; her daughter Maggie Samolis (Mario Samolis) and their children Luca, Leo, Giovanni, and precious granddaughter Arete. Janelle embodied everything beautiful about being a grandmother. She taught the boys to read and to love reading. She cheered on Quentin, Bodhi, Leo and Giovanni at numerous games and activities. She treasured watching Luca work with birds at Nature's Educators. Although Arete did not have nearly enough time with grandma, Janelle's love and legacy will forever surround her. 

Alongside her devotion to family was her profound dedication to teaching. Janelle taught at Penrose Elementary for 31 years, impacting generations of students and colleagues. She was honored as Penrose School Teacher of the Year three different times. Over more than three decades in Penrose, she shaped young minds, mentored fellow educators, and left an enduring imprint on her community. 

Her professional accomplishments were numerous. In 1976, she was named Psychology Student of the Year and Research Student of the Year at the University of Southern Colorado. She presented at the Midwestern Psychological Association Conference in Chicago, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and CCIRA. She was also twice published in the field of psychology. Yet, for Janelle, her proudest achievement was always the success and growth of her students. 

Janelle was preceded in death by her beloved parents, William Mario Beltramo and Beulah Arlene Beltramo. She is survived by her brother Jerry Beltramo (Nancy Beltramo); sister-in-law Alyce Bergant;  nieces and nephews Tamara. Wade, Brandelyn, Richie, J.K., and Jordanna; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of Janelle's life will be held at 3:00pm, on Friday. March 27th, at Steeple Event Center (formerly the United Presbyterian Church of Cañon City) - the same church where she and Frank were married]. 

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Janelle's lifelong dedication to education by making a donation to Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK). Contributions will fund scholarships for 

Fremont County students pursuing careers in teaching. Donations may be made via Venmo to @TamaraBSandage or by mailing checks payable to Alpha Delta Kappa to: 

Tamara B. Sandage 

13661 Maple Street, #112 

Overland Park, Kansas 66223 

Janelle's life was a testament to faith, family, education, and love. Her greatest monument is not a building or title, but the countless lives she touched - as a teacher, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend. Her legacy will continue in every child she encouraged, every student she inspired, and every family member who carries her love forward. 

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