Virginia Sundahl

Virginia “Jean” Sundahl lived her 90+ years of life to the fullest. Raised in Amarillo, Texas, Jean’s truest life began when she met and married Lawrence “Larry” Sundahl, a young Air Force officer in 1954. Together with their son Dan, they settled in Denver, Colorado which was her home for most of the next 60 years.

Jean and Larry’s love for each other was evident to everyone around them. Whether dancing at their grandchildren’s weddings, sharing a plate of spaghetti at Nicolo’s, or serving together in church callings, no one could doubt the passion they shared. Grandpa loved to make the kids squeal when he showed them “the proper way to kiss a grandma” and inspired laughter when he would say to Jean, as she showed him the many bags of “bargains” she found: “Mama, you save me too much money.”

Her light dimmed briefly when Larry passed in 1997 but her devotion to her ten grandchildren (and then greats and great greats) inspired her to keep going. Nobody mailed as many boxes filled with presents and clothes as Jean did--or used as much tape in the process. Nobody but Jean could take fruit from the Country Buffet and grow a huge tree from a peach pit. Every trip to the Goodwill, Dillard’s, or a garage sale was a chance for Jean to hunt for a bargain that could be transformed into a gift or a keepsake. Jean filled her home with her many finds and her abundant decorating style was in keeping with her abundant love for those around her, as her philosophy was, “If a little bit is good then a lot is better!”

But without a doubt Jean’s greatest treasures were her posterity. When most seniors are content to stay put, Jean would travel to Hawaii or Boston or Arizona to attend to births and graduations and holidays. “Gr Jean” became legendary wherever she went, bringing her country charm, monochromatic outfits, and often outlandish sayings to every home, restaurant, and shop she visited. Everyone knew Jean and Jean knew everyone.

Jean finally hung up her party hat and left us to join her dear Larry on November 15, 2021, surrounded by several of her grandkids who had kept vigil with her during her last weeks. She is survived by her son Dan (Loree) Sundahl, and her grandchildren David (Heather) Sundahl; Scott Sundahl; Eric (Beth) Sundahl; Stephanie (Jeff) Marshall; Doug (Andrea) Sundahl; Joe (Candace) Sundahl; Suzanne (Quay) Terry; Mike (Maren) Sundahl; Samantha Sundahl; Sarah Sundahl; and her many adoring great grandkids.