Jane Lee

Tribute

Jane Lee was born in Kiowa, Kansas, and raised alongside three older brothers on the family farm. It was there, among the animals and open land, that she fell in love with the wonder of the natural world and animals within it – a love that never left her. Jane became a psychiatric nurse, carrying her caretaking instincts into a career spent helping others. That same spirit of service led her to the Peace Corps, where she served in Swaziland, Africa, an experience that shaped her worldview and deepened her lifelong commitment to community and generosity. In 1976, Jane moved to Colorado Springs, where she artfully built the life she loved, one full of plants, music, art, family, dogs, and devoted friends who stood by her side, literally, to the day she died. A devoted environmentalist before it was fashionable, she lived what she believed – reuse (to the point of abuse), composting, gardening, thrifting long before it was cool, and keeping her carbon footprint impossibly low. She was as generous as she was frugal, freely giving the money she painstakingly saved to causes close to her heart, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, National Mill Dog Rescue, and Smile Train, among others. Jane was a voracious reader and logophile. After exhausting the supply of books at her local library at a young age, her passion for reading and the library system only grew stronger, reading the newspaper religiously and diligently working her way through the ever-changing but never shrinking pile of library books by her bedside. In addition to reading, Jane loved film and music, always keen to discuss a new film she’d seen or a new band she’d heard Vickie play on the freeform show in the golden age of KRCC. Although never on the radio herself, she was unquestionably the Queen of the Mix Tape with her ability to curate the perfect soundtrack for any vibe – an adventurous road trip, a mellow gathering of friends, or a mystical nighttime soak amongst the stars above Valley View Hot Springs. Music brought her joy. Few things made her smile brighter than dancing at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival with her precious friends, children, and ultimately, the grandchildren to whom she was devoted above all, who were her endless source of pride and joy. Jane passed peacefully, surrounded by friends and family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lydia and George Gesner, her brothers Robert, William, and Jack Gesner, her beloved companion Mac, and the many amazing dogs who filled her life with companionship for over 80 years. She is survived by her children, Jason, Jocelyn, and Joel, her grandchildren, Aja, Jade, Eva, Jay, Macabee, Harper, and Liv, and her great-grandson, Myles – who all carry forward her love of nature and spirit of generosity. Jane Lee lived simply, gave generously, and loved deeply – an inspiration to us all.

Friends & Family