Obituary: Elizabeth “Tish” Filiss

May 26, 1945 – November 30, 2024

Elizabeth “Tish” Rose Bogner Filiss passed away peacefully on November 30, 2024, surrounded by the singing voices of her family. Her very full and colorful life is hard to put into simple words. Tish was a symbol of love, nurturance, and fun—a vision of beauty, creativity, and warmth. And as she would put it, she was our “ever-lovin’ wife, mom, Grandma/Yia-Yia, Mama Tish, and friend to all.”
Born in Bryn Mawr, PA, and raised in Monticello, NY, Tish spent her summers on Tennanah Lake, a place that always brought her peace. Her love of the West began at the University of Colorado, and in 1968 she made her way to Aspen, Colorado, where she found not only a home, but a community that matched her free-spirited and adventurous soul.
Along with her older brother and a group of high school friends Aspen became not only a home but an entirely new way of life. Through pure serendipity, Tish fell in love with one of those high school mates, Dean Filiss, and together they found meaning and a sense of belonging in the non-conformist hippie community that was Aspen in the late ’60s. It was then when she first placed her curly brown hair into two long braids, her signature look that carried on throughout her life.
Tish and Dean eventually moved to Divide Creek, where they lovingly restored the historic Fairview Schoolhouse and Church, creating a sacred family space. Their 53-year marriage was nothing short of a timeless love story. They first fell in love skiing, dancing, singing, laughing, and playing together and these shared joys became the foundation of their remarkable bond, which only grew stronger as the years passed.
A stay-at-home mom at heart, Tish also turned her nurturing spirit outward as a Family Visitor and mentor at the Yampah Teen Parent Program. She served her community tirelessly, volunteering with numerous organizations. In 2009, she was named Garfield County Humanitarian of the Year – the award was uniquely dubbed the “You Are My Sunshine Award,” a nod to her favorite song to sing to the people she nurtured, and a perfect reflection of her ability to bring light and warmth to everyone she met.
Tish’s passions were as vibrant as her personality. She was a master knitter, a lifelong ballet dancer, a culinary enthusiast, a devoted gardner, an avid golfer, and a lover of live music and beautiful mountain sunsets. Her warmth and energy were felt by all who knew her, and her advice, “Assume the best and act accordingly,” remains a guiding light.
Tish is survived by the love of her life, Dean Filiss. Her lucky children are Brian [Carolyn Filiss], Resa [Doug Hayes, deceased], Max [Amy Filiss], and Grace [JT Paulman]. Her even luckier grandchildren are Olivia, Sophia, Max, Charlie, Lexi, Asher, Evelyn, and Kimberly. She is also survived by her brothers, Robert [Wendy Bogner] and Jim [Lisa Bogner] and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private family burial will be held at Union Divide Creek Cemetery. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, December 28, at Red Barn Ranch 345 Co Rd 262, Silt, CO at 1:00pm. Please join us to celebrate Tish’s incredible life.
Tish’s radiant spirit will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.