Jean Elaine Maumenee

Jean Elaine Brookover Maumenee, age 81, died in her home at Cherry Hills Assisted Living Facility on Saturday, April 20, 2024. She was born in Denver, Colorado, on March 30, 1943. Jean was the third of five children born to Paul E. Brookover and Florence M. Shilvock. Jean was married to Major James “Cliff” Maumenee and stood by his side, a devoted military wife, for 35 years.

Jean was a Colorado native. During high school the family lived in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and later returned to Denver. She also lived in West Germany, embarking upon what she called, “a great adventure,” with Cliff and her children. However, Denver was always the home she returned to following her travels.

Jean is survived by her three children John (and Natalie) Hamilton, Jenny Hamilton, Megan (and Tarik) Kabil; six grandchildren, Tyler, James, Norma Jean, Anna, Jack and Leila; three sisters, Ann (and William) Carpender, Martha Rambaud, and Mary (and Marin) Alaniz. Jean is preceded in death by her loving husband Major James “Cliff” Maumenee (1948-2020), her parents, Paul (1909-1999) & Florence (1911-1999) Brookover, and her brother, Paul Brookover (1940-2024).

Jean graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Cheyenne, Wyoming and then attended the University of Denver. She taught primary education for Denver Public Schools. While living in Frankfurt, Germany, she taught special education for the Department of Defense Dependent School system. She was a member of Risen Christ Catholic Parish in Denver and worked with the church administration for over 20 years. Her leisure time was anything but quiet and relaxing, and her hands were rarely idle. She was often the first to sign up for the book club, quilting club, sewing and craft classes. Her weekends and free time involved attending craft shows, conventions, or any activity where she might learn something new and spend the day with friends or family.

Jean is remembered as an independent, caring, and gentle soul. Jean always had a very calming presence. She was a cat person in a family of dog lovers. Her sisters would describe Jean as studious in her youth, and she clearly carried that curiosity for learning and reading throughout her life. You could always go to Jean for a good book recommendation. She took after her engineer father in applying mathematical concepts to everyday life – particularly the geometry and proportions of sewing designs and machines. Like all the strong women in the family, Jean knew how to speak her mind, could shut down any shenanigans, and had her sassy moments. Jean certainly had her mother’s wit and wouldn’t hesitate to add a quick one-liner to the conversation. Her intelligence, values and influence continue to be reflected in her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Jean was generous with her creativity, time, and talent. Immensely gifted at sewing, quilting, machine embroidering, cross stitch and other needle crafts, a hand-made gift from Jean is one to be treasured. The quality, precision, and artistry of her work – even the back of her cross-stitch - was neat and tidy.

Jean was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, aunt, and friend. During her life she uniquely touched the lives of family, students, and friends. Most importantly, however, she was a loving, inspiring and marvelous mother to her three children.

God bless Jean, may she rest in peace.

Thank you to all the people that loved her and helped to prepare this tribute to her life.  A special thank you to Elise Marrion for her creative assistance in preparing her obituary.  

Memorial Services will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Horan & McConaty South Metro/Centennial location, 5303 E. County Line Road Centennial, CO 80122.

Burial services will be held on Monday, May 13, 2024 at 2:30 pm at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd. Denver, CO 80235

To honor Jean’s love of flowers, please consider bringing a fresh cut flower from your garden to place in a vase when you enter the facility.