Alma Angaran
February 23, 2017
Alma Fontanini Angaran, 96, passed away February 23, 2017 at the Iowa Jewish Life Center.
Alma was born September 15, 1920 in Des Moines to Biagio and Olivia Fontanini. She graduated from Lincoln High School and attended Drake University School of Music. Alma had a passion for music and was an organist and pianist. She also taught music. Alma loved cooking, socializing and spending time with her family and friends. She was a charter member of Christ the King Catholic Church and served as organist there for over 60 years.
Alma is survived by her children, Diane (Jerry) Simons and Larry (Judy) Angaran; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; and her husband, Eatilo Angaran.
The family will greet friends Tuesday, February 28, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 SW 9th Street. Alma will be laid to rest with her husband Eatilo at Glendale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or HCI Hospice.
The family would like to thank Dr. Dennis Zachary for his dedication and devotion.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Denise Constable -Beener
02/25/2017
Larry, your Mom, Alma will forever live within the hearts of many. She touched so many people and what a Very SPECIAL Woman!! I have missed her so many days but my memories of her will forever make me SMILE. I pray you and your family find comfort knowing she is at peace. Wrapping you all in my prayers.
Bob and Denise Beener
Rob Graziano and family
02/25/2017
Alma helped me get started with singing and playing trumpet at Christ the King. She taught me many things and built my confidence as a young musician. I'll always remember the music we made together for Masses and special occasions. She always said, "I'm your manager," as if we were hitting the big time. Loved her voice, warm smile and her expertise on the piano.
Debbie Caldbeck
02/25/2017
My mother, Dolores Caldbeck and I, would like to send our prayers and express our condolences. Our family will always have fond memories of Alma. My father, Tom, thought she was the best musician around. She played the organ for some of our family events, which were held at Christ the King. She taught my sister, Joan, and I how to play the organ. Whenever Alma was around she always gave us a warm greeting and asked how everything was going. Our deepest sympathies, Dolores and Debbie Caldbeck
Blanca and John Collins
02/25/2017
To the best piano player and enthusiastic person I have ever heard music from, my deepest condolence to her family and friends. May the Lord embrace her in his arms.
Carol Miller
02/25/2017
I always enjoyed listening to Alma play the piano. I especially loved it when she played Christmas carols at Target when I worked there.
Jennie Soda Reed
02/25/2017
I feel so fortunate to have reunited with your Mom at the Jewish Life Center after so many years. Her music will fill the heavens for eternity. She will be missed by many. REST IN PEACE DEAR FRIEND
Vonnie and Laddie Jobe
02/25/2017
Everyone will remember your mom. What a great lady. She was so talented. How blessed you are to have her in your life.
John and Louise Slack
02/25/2017
Sweet Alma may you rejoice with the angels that greet you. We are so sad to hear of her passing our prayers are with her family that she loved so much.
Pat Lose
02/25/2017
It's sad to hear of Alma's passing. She was a part of so many of our family's celebrations and I always considered it an even better trip home to Des Moines if I got to see her while I was there. She was such a special lady and joyful spirit and we'll miss her. May she Rest In Peace.
Eldon and Patty Nichols
02/25/2017
We are so sad about losing Alma. She was one of our favorite relatives. Always smiling and so energetic when she greeted you. That energy was reflected in her piano playing style. She played the organ for us in our wedding many years ago. We have a photo of her in our wedding album. There are so many good memories to look back on. We love you Alma!
Lori Ebeling
02/25/2017
Alma was my music teacher when I went to Christ The King. She was such a wonderful, talented and joyful woman. I have so many fond memories of her. The music in heaven just got a little more beautiful. I'm so sorry for your loss. RIP Alma
Michael and Susan Klus
02/25/2017
We are saddened to hear of Alma's recent passing. She was a special woman and was treasured by all who had the pleasure of knowing her at Christ the King.
Mark Whitfield
02/25/2017
Alma was always so cheerful. I loved listening to her play the organ during mass. She'd always wave at you while playing the organ and smile
Vickey Durham
02/25/2017
To the family,
Alma was a blessing to all who knew her, with a zest for life and special spirit like no other! I feel blessed to have had a friendship with such an amazing lady, and will cherish memories of morning chats over coffee! RIP Alma God Bless You Always, Vickey Durham
Tom Fredericksen
02/25/2017
Alma was a wonderful person. She was s friend to me. Alma could play anything. She saved my life more then once when a family asked for a song that I had never heard. She found it and made the family happy. She knew everybody on the south side. God speed Alma. Know the music in Heaven will be great. We will miss you. The world will be worse without you!