Jean Hain

    Jean Elizabeth Hain, 87, of Holyoke, died peacefully Feb. 19, 2018. She was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, to Frank and Annette Curtis. She was the youngest of three children. She grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania. Growing up in the Methodist Church gave her strong faith.
    She married Robert “Red” Hain Sr. on Feb. 23, 1952. They had four children: Jeanne, Rob, Karen and Linda. She moved to Colorado in the mid ’50s after her husband Red found a job at Camp Hale in Eagle County. After a couple of snowy winters, the family moved to Colorado Springs and later to Longmont. Red Hain had MS, and Jean provided love and support to him until he returned to Erie.
    She picked herself up and found a job as a bakery clerk. Longmont was a small town at that time, and she was able to build a personal relationship with customers, preparing cakes for birthdays and weddings. On Saturdays, she would take her children along to the churches as she delivered and set up the wedding cakes.
    As her children grew and moved to Denver, she soon followed. She worked in the bakery at King Soopers in the Denver Tech Center, close to the Denver Broncos training camp. She handled all the bakery requests for the team; their office always said, “Just call Jean.” This was a dream for Jean since she was a Bronco superfan and always wore her favorite player’s jersey. When Jean retired, the Broncos gave her a football signed by all the players to thank her.
    Jean’s retirement led her to watch her second favorite team, the Colorado Avalanche. Growing up in Erie, she enjoyed watching her uncle play hockey. She was an expert on all the stats and players.
    Her love of sports didn’t compare to her love for her family and friends — providing a positive outlook and supporting them with love through the many challenges they faced. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She had a smile for everyone she met and was kind-hearted. When people asked why she was always so happy, she told them God got her through the tough times. She loved the Lord and had amazing faith.
    Later in life, Jean moved to Regent Park in Holyoke, living closer to her daughter Linda. At Regent Park, she made many new friends and the staff provided excellent care. She touched the hearts of many people. Jean loved life, laughing and telling you, “It’s going to be fine.” Her faith was always strong.
    Jean is survived by her children, Jeanne Gage of Las Vegas, Nevada, Rob and Diane Hain of Kingwood, Texas, Karen and Jim Bechtol of Aurora, and Linda and John Heater of Haxtun; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
    She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Annette Curtis; brother, Frank and Ginny Curtis; and sister, Annette and Larry Thurston.
    A memorial service will be held Friday, March 2, at 5 p.m. at Haxtun United Methodist Church, with Pastor Jeri Soens officiating.