Loretta Jean Anderson

Jean Anderson, 69, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away Saturday, January 26, 2008. Jean grew up in Hugo, Oklahoma, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma in Norman, moving to Colorado in 1960. She taught 4th and 5th grade for 5 years at Goldrick Elementary in Denver, and 3 years at 6th Avenue Elementary in Aurora. She was also the school librarian for several years in these positions, and later volunteered in the library at Wheeling Elementary in Aurora. She taught ESL for several years to adults and children in the 1980s. In 1995, she became the president of the family business, Anderson Microscope Co., a position she held for 12 years. Under the pen name ""Mile High Mama"", she was the author of a regular column in Steamboat Springs The Local for seven years. Her column, Mama's Kitchen, presented a wonderful story or anecdote followed by a recipe. She was an avid reader, writer, poet, and cook, and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Born in Hugo, Oklahoma on January 15th, 1939 to Ruth and James Barnes, she is survived by her husband of 45 years, Keith Anderson, of Aurora, CO; her brother, James Barnes of Oklahoma City, OK; her sister, Judy Curry of Santa Monica, CA; her son, David Anderson and his wife Jennifer Krafchick of Ellensburg, WA: her son, Paul Anderson and his wife Courtney Anderson of Oak Creek, CO; and two grandchildren, Cleome Anderson and Melia Anderson of Ellensburg WA. Donations in her honor can be made to the Aurora Public Library or to the American Lung Association of Colorado. A celebration of Jean's life will be held on Thursday, Feb. 7 from 3:00-7:00PM at Senor Ric's Mexican Restaurant, 12300 E. Mississippi Ave, Aurora.