Jean Brickell

Jean O. Brickell (Regina Pauline Orten), 93, of Denver, Colorado, passed away on July 23, 2020.  Jean was born on August 3, 1926, to Charles and Cora Orten in Stratton, Nebraska.  She was the 4th of 10 children, 8 girls and 2 boys, and grew up on the family farm near McDonald, Kansas.

After high school, Jean attended St. Anthony’s in Denver and graduated with her nursing degree in 1948.  For decades, Jean enjoyed her career and serving others as a registered nurse.

During college, Jean met Richard (Dick) Brickell and they wed in 1950, going on to have 5 children: Richard, Randy, Roxanne, Reed, and Renee.  The family moved numerous times over the next 21 years, from Wheat Ridge, Colorado, to Utah, back to Colorado, then to Kansas, Georgia, Wisconsin, and finally back to Denver in 1971.

Jean and Dick were both from very large families.  No matter where they lived, every opportunity was taken to engage with their siblings and involve their children with the almost 100 first cousins.  Jean was a wonderful cook, delightful hostess, and loved entertaining and celebrations.  Over the years she created and passed down many family and holiday traditions.

With a zeal for life, Jean had a passion for crocheting, gardening, singing, writing poetry, dancing, telling stories, laughing, and volunteering at her church and the Denver Assistance League.  Jean was a classy, redheaded lady who always took great pride in her personal appearance.  Her contagious laugh and loving spirit will be greatly missed.

Jean was always ready for the next adventure.  After retiring in 1991, she and Dick traveled even more extensively continuing their exploration of Europe, Asia, Mexico, Central and South America, Australia, and much of the United States.

Jean was predeceased by her husband, Dick.  She is survived by 2 sisters, 5 loving children, 9 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren.

Rosary at 1:30pm and Funeral Mass at 2:00pm on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at Risen Christ Church, 3060 South Monaco Pkwy, Denver, Colorado 80222.  Facemasks and social distancing required.  Mass will be live streamed, not recorded, on Church’s YouTube channel at risenchristchurch.org.  Donations suggested to the Church.