Gloria Jean Dveirin

February 12, 1946 – December 27, 2020

It is with profound sadness that we announce that Gloria Jean Dveirin, doting aunt and loving sister, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2020.

Jean was born on February 12, 1946, in Davenport, Iowa, to Alfred and Pearline (Greenswag) Dveirin. Her mother passed away when Jean was just an infant and the family moved to Denver, Colorado, where she spent her childhood. Jean attended East High School and graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. After serving in the Peace Corps, Jean earned her Master’s in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Colorado, Denver.

She spent the majority of her career teaching Spanish and mentoring high school and middle school students as a counselor in the Jefferson County School District. Upon retirement, she volunteered with various organizations, tutoring underprivileged children and teaching adult students English as a Second Language.

Jean had a propensity towards self-growth and never missed an opportunity to learn about current events, explore new cultures, and research historical periods. She was an avid reader of The New York Times, The Denver Post, countless magazines and literary works. She loved the outdoors; hiking, exploring local trails and neighborhoods and taking photos of the beautiful sights along the way. She was passionate about traveling and even in her later years bravely conquered new destinations in the United States and abroad, eager to share her experiences and new treasures with loved ones upon her return.

In her earlier years, Jean had a love for skiing and spending time at her Breckenridge getaway. She was a longtime, dedicated member of Cherry Creek Athletic Club where she participated in a variety of exercise classes and formed a circle of friends with whom she enjoyed socializing outside of the club. She was known for her green thumb, leaving behind a family of well-cared-for plants and she always had an impressive collection of new recipes to try, while perfecting her standbys. Her passion for culture led to attending local events, art exhibits, museums, movies, and theatrical productions. She was a supporter of small businesses and local restaurants and was eager to help those in need.

Jean had a witty sense of humor, a bright smile, and a contagious laugh. She was firm in her beliefs but did not let them affect her relationships. Above everything else, Jean was empathetic, kind, and charitable. Far and away her greatest joy was participating in the lives of her nieces and nephews – Aunt Jean never missed anything; sporting events, talent shows, holidays, airport pick-ups and drop-offs. She was our special aunt; our small but mighty cheerleader. All that knew her can speak to the kind and thoughtful gem that she was. She was an angel among us and has earned her wings.

Jean is survived and deeply missed by her brother, Gordon (Joan Borysenko) Dveirin of Santa Fe, New Mexico; nieces, Michelle (Ed) Bushel of Centennial, Colorado, and Nicole (Steve) Dzengelewski of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; nephews Ben (Shala) Dveirin of Phoenix, Arizona, and Matthew Dveirin of San Francisco, California; grand nieces and nephews, Paige, Emma, Carter, Graham, Kyler, Brynn, Leo and Rylan; and sister-in-law, Susan "Kaye" Dveirin. She is proceeded in death by her parents, Alfred and Pearline; her brother, Jerald Dveirin, and sister-in-law, Judith Dveirin.

A burial and celebration of Jean's life is being planned for this summer and arrangements will be shared with friends and family. In the meantime, please share your memories and photos to [email protected].

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jean Dveirin's name to Bayaud Enterprises (https://bayaudenterprises.networkforgood.com/) or Food Bank of the Rockies (https://www.foodbankrockies.org/).

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.

-Dalai Lama