Jean Washburn Obituary

Washburn
Jean Washburn
January 18, 1942
March 5, 2025

Jean Washburn, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home on March 5, 2025, at the age of 83, surrounded in her final days by her loving family. She was deeply cherished by her husband Don of 62 years; her son Jeff and his wife Mari; her daughter Kim and her husband Scott; and her beloved grandchildren, Landon, Bryce, and Rachel.
Born February 18, 1942, in Pekin, Illinois, Jean was the daughter of Ruby and Dale Ulrich. She excelled academically, graduating from Pekin High School in 1960 as a National Merit Scholar. She then earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Illinois, majoring in Microbiology. Jean married Don in September 1963, and together they built a life full of love, adventure, and cherished memories.
Jean was a loving and dedicated mother and embraced the challenges of being a loyal military wife, developing a talent for entertaining and becoming a master gardener. Her beautiful garden in Albuquerque was featured on the Gardening Channel, a testament to her passion and skill.
After raising her children, Jean returned to school, earning a bachelor's degree in nursing at the University of New Mexico in 1984. She began her career as an ER nurse at New Mexico's only Level 1 Trauma Center in Albuquerque where she thrived in high-pressure situations. Though she loved the intensity of the ER, she later earned a master's degree in healthcare administration and transitioned into management, eventually becoming the head of the Case Management Department at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque. Later in her career, she found joy as a school nurse at Albuquerque High School and later retired as a school nurse in Colorado in 2009.
In retirement, Jean embraced life fully. She cherished time with family and friends and enjoyed playing bridge with Don and others. In retirement she also indulged in her lifelong love of reading and in spoiling her two cats.
Jean was a kind and extraordinary woman who touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family and her many friends. Her legacy of dedication, compassion and love will forever be remembered.
Jean will be interred at the Air Force Academy Cemetery in a private ceremony. Time and location for a Celebration of Life will be announced later.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Humane Society of Colorado Springs or a charity of your choice.