My mother did extensive volunteer work with several non-profit organizations. With the Friends of Nursing (FON), she served in several positions as described in the October 2015 Newsletter.

“Jan served on the Board of Directors for more than 20 years, alternating between posts of treasurer and appointed financial manager. Over the years, Jan and Nik actively supported FON’s many working groups for special events and fund raising. From 2011 to 2013 Jan served as President of FON.”

It was only natural that in lieu of flowers, the family asked for scholarship donations to FON in my mother’s name.

As a child, I helped make sandwiches by the dozens to give to victims of the 1965 South Platte River flood, ironed Church linens and watched her make rosaries for the Rosary Guild.

As an adult, I saw her make Christmas Afghans to donate for fundraising auctions, helped her Chair one of FON’s Old-Fashioned Christmas at Phipps Mansion and assisted her several times with her work for the Serenity Retreat League and other non-profit organizations.

Most importantly, I saw my mother freely give her love, time and talents to others. Through example, my mother taught me the gift of volunteer service.