Jean Evelyn Sanford

Jean Evelyn (Dellinger, Dye) Sanford of Centennial, Colorado, passed away in her home on April 2, 2019. She was born in Tipton, Indiana on her parent’s farm on June 15, 1930 to Margaret N. Van Blair and Garland M. Dellinger. Jean was the third of six children.

Jean knew a disciplined life growing up on a farm, but her childhood personified hard work, lots of love, and lots of fun. She attended Tipton High School where she played girls’ basketball, ran track, was a member of the Sunshine Society, National Honors Society, and Student Counsel, serving as class Secretary her sophomore, junior and senior years. It was also here where she met her lifelong friends, Jeannine Robinson and Marilyn Garmen, with whom she adored and maintained friendships her whole life. Jean graduated in 1948 at the top of her class. Shortly after, she moved to Indianapolis to work at Charles Mayer & Co, after having worked full and part-time throughout high school. It was at Charles Mayer & Co where she met her first husband, the father of her three daughters.

She raised her children celebrating traditions and birthdays, making them incredibly special for her girls. Holidays were a big deal in the household, the entire day dedicated to the festivity; Christmas was her very favorite. As a mother, she became an accomplished gourmet cook, seamstress & dabbled in the world of painting. Everything she spent time on, was made more beautiful. In 1962, the family relocated to Denver, Colorado.

Jean loved art of all variety, theater, dining, and she adored traveling the world. For many years, she immersed herself in multiple countries and cultures and ventured around the globe. Jean knew the importance of exercise her entire life and insisted on a very active lifestyle. Jean was passionate about golfing (first hole-in-one at age 75), dancing (first one on the floor, last one off the floor), and reading (for the mind must always remain active along with the body). Jean was passionate about sports; she loved the Colorado Rockies and her favorite, the Denver Broncos. She loved her membership with Nonpareil, and spent many years gaining meaningful friendships, planning parties, attending dinners, and countless activities. She loved to garden and took great pride in adorning her home inside and outside with plants and flowers. Jean loved her job at PayTech, she loved her co-workers, and was diligent about sending weekly care packages to the U.S. troops stationed overseas. Jean was an admirable example for her most significant life lessons: treat all people with kindness and make the world more beautiful.

The most important aspect of Jean’s shining life: she was Nonnie.

Jean (Nonnie) is survived by family who will deeply miss her: her sister, Mary Hannah (Carl decd.), and her brother, Leon Dellinger (Shirley), both of Elwood, Indiana. Her daughters Nancy Gies (John), Karen McDonald (Greg), and Jan Allen, each of the Denver metro area. Her grandchildren, Julie Scott (Rory), Marlena McElhaney (Justin Cude), Jennifer Buckley (Nick), Nicole Graham (Clay Wise) and Master Sergeant John Graham (Cyrelle White), each of the Denver metro area. Great-grandkids, Michael, Jailyn, Grace, Camilla and Lauren, each of the Denver metro area.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jean's name to the Denver Botanic Gardens; online at https://www.botanicgardens.org/tribute-memorial-gifts, by email at [email protected] or by phone at 720-865-3528.