Susan Coniglio Calmes
Susan “Susie” Coniglio Calmes passed away on July 5th in Denver. She was 75.
Born and raised in East Dallas, Susie cherished her memories of a happy childhood and growing up in a large Italian family. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and attended the University of North Texas and Texas Tech. Susie was well known in fashion circles and traveled the world as a designer clothing buyer for major Dallas retailers. After her retirement, she became a registered Master Gardener and a volunteer at the Dallas Arboretum.
Susie was married for 26 years to the love of her life, Jack Calmes—a musician, talent agent, and visionary lighting designer. Their life together was full of adventure, family, and many loyal dogs. In her later years, Susie moved to Denver to be close to her daughter, Audrey Bagwell Dellgren, and son-in-law, Peter Dellgren. She played a joyful and engaged role in the lives of her grandchildren, Alexandra “Ally” Dellgren Bloom and Johan Dellgren, recently traveling to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to celebrate Ally’s wedding to Aaron Bloom, a trip she described as magical.
Susie loved Sunday brunch, playing mahjong, and afternoons in her garden. She had a lifelong interest in fashion and a devotion to Tex-Mex. An avid follower of politics, she was a CNN regular, never shy about voicing her progressive views. She loved listening to Bob Dylan and James Taylor, whose music stayed with her throughout the years. She treasured regular phone calls with her sisters and ended each day with a good glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents, Frank Bernard Coniglio and Anita Hicks Coniglio; her sister, Benita Coniglio Wright; her dear friend, Susan Geary Wisk; and her dogs, Kuma, Lille, Rocky, and Cozette.
Susie is survived by her beloved daughter, Audrey and son-in-law, Peter; her grandchildren, Ally (and Aaron), and Johan; her sisters, Mary Beth Rogers and Martha Coniglio; her brother, Frank Coniglio Jr.; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. She also remained grateful for the enduring friendship and wise co-parenting she shared with Audrey’s father, Robert Bagwell, and his wife, Kathryn.
Susie’s life was marked by kindness, loyalty, and grace. She will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered by all who were lucky enough to know her.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to The Denver Hospice, whose compassionate care and presence allowed Susie’s final days to be filled with peace and dignity.
To honor Susie’s memory, donations may be made in her name to Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains or The Denver Hospice.
A private service will be held in Denver, with a Celebration of Life to be held in Dallas.
Donations
To honor Susie’s memory, donations may be made in her name to Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains
Susie’s Celebration of Life
Monday, August 4th, 2025
3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Mansion on Turtle Creek
2821 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219