Jane Columbine Gilman

Jane Columbine Gilman (nee Carol Jane Stienmier), passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 11, 2024. She was born on August 27, 1938, in Gilman, CO to Harold and Madeline Stienmier. Jane was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers Richard and Roy Stienmier. Jane is survived by her twin daughters, Rebecca Brock, M.D. (Brack Hattler, M.D.), and Elizabeth Brock, NP (Frank Hage), and four grandchildren Erin Hattler (Kevin Mandagere, M.D.), Brenna Hattler, Jennifer Hage and James Hage.

She grew up in the mining town of Gilman, CO. She moved to the front range for high school, graduating from Boulder HS in 1956. She began college at CU but married and moved to Lubbock, TX where she graduated from Texas Tech University with a BA in English. Jane’s twin daughters were also born in Lubbock, TX. She moved back to CO and taught English for five years in a secondary school. Jane then made a career change and became a social worker. She worked for child welfare in Adams County for 25 years. She particularly loved teaching parenting education classes, often to parents who had lost custody.

After 3 marriages and different surnames, in 1987 she decided to legally change her name to Jane Columbine Gilman, in honor of her birthplace (now a ghost town) and her favorite flower.

In 1988 she found her true love, Larry Perko, but was sadly widowed in 1996. Their nine years together were nothing short of magical.

Jane loved gardening, skiing, and hiking in her beloved mountains and spending time with her best friend of 52 years, Gay Farris. She was active in two book clubs and bridge and poetry clubs. She “ran” word games every Saturday afternoon at Frasier Meadows. She found great joy in attending the CU Boulder Shakespeare Festival every year since 1958. She loved spending summer evenings with her family and friends having a large picnic on the grass before the plays.

Jane, our loving, giving, and caring mother, will be so sadly missed. She wanted to be remembered for her love of poetry, words, and Shakespeare. Her memorial service will be held at Frasier Meadows, 350 Ponca Place, Boulder, CO on September 13, from 1:00 to 3:00. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to cupresents.org for the Colorado Shakespeare Festival.