Very few have overcome more adversity than she did. She was the very definition of perseverance. She was adamant in her faith, and she had a way of inspiring people around her to believe in themselves.

She was raised in Denver during the great depression, but in her youth, she enjoyed simple pleasures like going to the movies with her best friend, Emmy and listening to Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

She was a very devoted mother. She found a way forward even when she was on her own with 6 children. Times were tough, but she started a new life with her 2nd husband and two more children.

Most of her life was spent in the Boulder/Denver area, but when her husband, John retired from his work as a professor emeritus at the University of Colorado in the early 70s, the family moved to a ranch in Montana. Life there in the mountains near Bridger Bowl ski resort was full of many adventures and memorable experiences for the 5 children that had not yet moved out on their own.

After returning to Boulder in 1977, she and her husband built and sold a number of houses in Boulder County. They loved a house with a view and each house had spectacular views.

After her husband passed away in 1992, she embraced her love of literature, even attending classes at CU Boulder with people a fraction of her age.

Throughout her final years, her actions were always guided by what she thought was best for her children’s futures. Even in the most advanced stages of dementia, she would try to share her food with whatever child was visiting her. Often asking, “have you eaten?”

She often thought of and told stories about her brothers and sisters and was always thankful that they were part of her life.

Her selflessness and character will always be in an inspiration, and she will remain a part of who we are. Always.