Jane Covode, 85, long-time Denver resident, passed away on April 14th, surrounded by her loving family, including her 3 children, 5 grandchildren, and great-grandson.

Jane was born in 1938 to Helen Olsen and Carleton Russell. She grew up in Peoria IL with her brothers Jack and Jim and then headed off to Smith College and the University of Illinois. She married Bill Covode right after college, quickly had 2 boys (Russ and Greg) and moved the family to Denver in 1968. Her daughter Catherine was born that next year.

Born into a generation where many women followed traditional paths, Jane eventually decided to blaze her own trail. At 35, she upended expectations to follow her passion for social justice and Latin culture. After working in Denver's juvenile justice system, she got her MBA from DU and eventually became the first executive director of the Colorado Association of Community Centered Boards (now called Alliance), where for years she traveled throughout the state serving disabled people.

After retiring from the CACCB in the early '90s, Jane pursued her fascination with Latin culture. This would take her out of the country for years. She immersed herself in Spanish in Mexico, lived and worked at an orphanage in Cuernavaca, and aided Guatemalan refugees in Chiapas through her work with The Denver Justice & Peace Commitee.

Jane's grandchildren eventually drew her back to Denver for good. She loved being involved in their lives, celebrating the successes, softening the disappointments, offering advice when asked. She loved her family something fierce.
Jane also continued consulting, lobbying, advocating for others, and traveling the world with family and friends. She kept in motion with book groups, bridge tournaments, hiking, biking, art and theater.

We will miss her terribly, but her spirit and generosity will live on in her children Catherine, Greg and Russ; grandchildren Becca, Bennett, Christine, Eli and Emma; great-grandchild Gavin; brother Jim; several nieces and nephews along with the many friends and lives she touched.

A celebration of Jane's life will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 4:00-8:00 pm at The Molkery, 6820 East 12th Ave, Denver, CO 80220. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Denver Justice & Peace Committee. https://denjustpeace.org/