The following tribute was delivered by Rhondda Hartman and Margo Schlup at the Celebration of Life for our beloved Jean Watt:
Dear Jean is greatly missed at The Fine Arts Foundation. She has been a very active member of the Board of Directors since 1996 when she and her husband, Richard, were honored as Citizens of the Arts by our organization. This award is given to honor those in our community who have been active in and supportive of the arts. Jean became involved on our Board and has been an important friend and asset to us ever since.
She served as President for two terms, was Vice President of Grants and served on many committees, including Development, Membership and Strategic Planning.
The position for which she was most in demand, however, was “Advisor”.
She was very good at Advising!
This was the “True” Jean!
She was extremely capable and invaluable on the Board.
Jean was wise, a problem solver and always had a sensible solution to any troublesome situation. She was honest, got to the point of an issue and stated her opinion without hesitation, argument or disagreement. Her comments were always well thought-out and well spoken. Jean was very caring about the feelings of others. She was persuasive and usually managed to state her case in such a way as to create agreement with the majority of the members of the group.
Jean was gracious and thoughtful.
She was lovely and beautiful.
She was ladylike and tough.
She was generous with time, resources and wisdom.
She was kind and caring about others.
She was a marvelous friend, loyal and true, interested and concerned.
Jean once mentioned that she was rare on our Fine Arts Foundation Board since she had not had a Debutante daughter. In turn, we reminded her that she was rare on our board also because she had been a Debutante herself! (And most of us had not had that opportunity.) Treasured events for her were having both of her Grand Daughters, Piper and Lindsey, become Tiara Mistresses at the Fine Arts Foundation Debutante Ball. Jean’s family was her loving focus in life.
Jean loved life. She fought hard to keep living. She always looked forward and never lost her zest for what would happen next.
Jean helped develop our mission statement that reads:
The mission of the Fine Arts Foundation is to enrich life in Colorado by supporting the arts.
Jean LOVED the Fine Arts Foundation,
And the Fine Arts Foundation LOVED Jean Watt.
Below are some of the sentiments shared with the Fine Arts Foundation after Jean’s passing:
She was a wonderful lady and a true friend of the Fine Arts Foundation and its members. Kitty Gregg
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Jean was a very special friend to so many, myself included. She contributed so much to the Denver arts community and will be sorely missed.
Thank you for letting us know. Joanne Davidson /Davidson Associates
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Jean was a treasure. I only had the privilege of knowing her for a few years, but she was warm, welcoming and an inspirational part of the Fine Arts Foundation. I told Gail only a few nights ago that I often find myself asking, “What would Jean do?” I will miss her deeply. Not just her physical presence, but her spirit. I am comforted that she is at peace finally. Janet Granger
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She will be missed. Please let me know when you hear about the arrangements. Thank you again. Lauri Speich
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Jean was one of the finest, most sincere and caring, steady, loving women I have ever known. She will be deeply missed by so many. Please do let us know what you hear about her services. Lynn Cahen
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Thank you Lynn for letting us know about Jean’s passing. Hers was a long and difficult battle. Let us celebrate a life well-lived! Stephen A. Edmonds
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Oh my. Just last night as I was making dinner I suddenly thought of her. She has been such a fighter and lover of life for so long. Julia Scheele
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Thanks for keeping me in the loop. If possible, I would love to attend her service – she was a wonderful person! Janie Prendergast
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So very sorry to hear. Arlene Johnson
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I am so sad to hear of dear Jean’s passing. She was a mighty force in that petite frame. I have many fond memories of working with her on the first Jubilee and other Fine Arts Foundation projects. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Judy Girardot
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Thank you for letting me know about Jean’s death. We did not always agree, but her contributions to Denver’s non-profits are legion! She will be sorely missed. I can only pray that she is finally without pain. Liz Frawley
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I’m so sorry. We were truly blessed to have her as a member of the Fine Arts Foundation. Sweet and brilliant. Marj Wise
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