Jean Marie Degrave

Jean Marie DeGrave, 70, of Fort Collins, Colorado died on Thursday, September 10, 2009. Her remarkable determination and strength allowed her to fight cancer for 18 years. She was born Jean Marie Osborn to Charles and Lois Osborn in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jean graduated from Germantown High School and received an associate's degree from Levitan School of Business. While working at Sley's Garage in Philadelphia she met her future husband Kenneth C DeGrave. They married in 1966 in Morgan, Pennsylvania. Seeking new adventures they moved to Colorado in 1969. Jean held a variety of jobs; she managed an apartment building, co-owned a janitorial company, and retired after twenty years in banking as a trust officer. She was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Loveland for nearly ten years. Jean loved spending time with her dog CC. Some of her favorite pastimes included playing cards with family and friends, sewing, gardening and selling on the internet. Her husband, Kenneth C. DeGrave, preceded her in death. She is survived by a son, Kenneth DeGrave of Fort Collins; a daughter, Cheryl DeGrave of Fort Collins; and two brothers, Charles Osborn of Nevada and W. Blair Osborn of West Virginia. Jean will be remembered as an independent woman of grace, courage and resilience. Cremation has taken place. Immediate family and friends will gather to celebrate her life.