Jean Knowles

Jean Knowles, age 88, passed away on Monday, January 6th, 2020 in Littleton, Colorado. Jean was born in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire England in 1931 to Albert and Alice Attwell (neé Mann). Jean led a singularly adventurous life that included being a firewoman, flying planes, synchronized swimming, and being crowned Miss Battle of Britain when she was 17.

Jean lived most of her young life in West Bromwich, England. Her mother died when she was only two, after which her maternal grandmother, Susanna Mann, raised her. On October 9th, 1954 Jean married John Knowles of Sioux City Iowa. Jean's smile and charisma were infectious. It is little wonder that hundreds of guests lined the streets and packed the Sandwell Hotel for their wedding.

In July 1955, Jean and John welcomed their first child- Susan. They would welcome two more children, Gary and Wayne before permanently moving to Colorado, where their fourth child, Christina was born.

Jean was a loving and devoted mother who developed a passion for photography and gardening. Her favorite muses were her flowers, children and grandchildren. Jean's photography was published in community magazines and news bulletins. Additionally, Jean's garden was as exuberant and stunning as any British garden. She prided herself on her garden and it was a labor of love for her.

Jean and John spent their retirement traveling to places like San Diego and Hawaii, but Hawaii was particularly special to both of them. Jean captured the natural beauty of Hawaii in beautiful pictures and incorporated hibiscus flowers into her garden array. Some of their happiest memories together were sitting on the lanai in Hawaii and watching the breathtaking Hawaiian sunset together.

Jean will be remembered by those who loved her as someone who always had a pleasant and humorous disposition. She would delight everyone with stories about growing up in England and the mischief her children and grandchildren would get up to throughout the years. It was impossible to be in her company and not feel cheerful.

Jean is survived by her daughter Susan (Kent) and her three children; son Gary (Julie) and their three children; Wayne (Michele) and his two children; and daughter Christina (Thomas) and their two children; great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild as well as cousins and beloved friends. She is preceded in death by her mother, Alice; father Albert; and husband John.

Funeral services will be held at Fort Logan Cemetery located at 4400 W. Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236 at 10 a.m. with a reception to follow at noon at Concordia on the Lake event center located at 6155 S. Ammons Way, Littleton, CO 80123.

Graveside Service: January 20, 2020 10:00 am

Fort Logan National Cemetery
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80236
(303) 761-0117
https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftlogan.asp