Sydney Lee Harmon

Sydney Lee Shleppey Harmon was born in Alhambra, California on December 10, 1934 to George and Billie Shleppey. Her parents moved their family, including her sister, Jackie, to Central America when Sydney was just 6 weeks old. Her sister Pat was born 7 years later. Sydney’s father George worked as a bush and cargo pilot. Sydney remembered her childhood there fondly. She recently wrote a biography of her parents describing George transporting a deposed leader and his family out of Guatemala. She also wrote of their barnstorming and parachuting exploits in Air Circuses during the 1920’s and 30’s. One of her favorite stories included her mother Billie’s world record 18,000 ft. parachute jump in 1929.

The Shleppeys moved back to the United States when Sydney was a teenager settling in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She attended the University of New Mexico where she was a cheerleader and a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. While at UNM she married the father of her 5 children, Alan Harmon, and settled in Littleton, Colorado. Sydney was very involved being a homemaker as well as volunteering in many neighborhood and school activities. Family activities included motorcycle riding, snow skiing, waterskiing and numerous RV trips. Sydney also found time, and was proud to be a volunteer in the Republican Party during the 1960’s.

As her family matured, Sydney decided to pursue a career in the medical profession. She worked as a lab technician at the University of Colorado Medical Center Hematology Department. Upon retiring, Sydney became a docent at the Denver Zoo, leading youth tours and programs. This led to her traveling to many parts of the world to observe birds and animals. She especially loved South Africa and Zambia where she bungee jumped from the Victoria Falls Bridge.

Some of Sydney’s favorite years were at Holly Creek Retirement Community. She made wonderful friends and was able participate in many activities including bridge, Book Club, Writing Club, and volunteering at the Holly Creek radio station. She also enjoyed taking classes, attending lectures and field trips. Sydney made a lasting impression on her family and friends throughout her life. She will be truly missed.

Sydney Lee Harmon, age 83, passed away on February 15, 2018. She is preceded in death by her parents, Oleta "Billie" Mae (Todd) and George Shleppey; sister, Jackie Arthur; and grandson, Alan Hutto. Sydney was immediately followed in death by her daughter, Mary Dunahay, who passed away on February 19, 2018. Sydney is survived by her children, Beth (Jim) Jackman, Holly (Frank) Hutto, Reed Harmon and Jill Harmon; grandchildren, Paige (Matt) Sager, Perry (Steve) Ladd, Patrick Jackman, Jordan (Brandon) McCarty, Cade Dunahay, Emily Hutto, Max Harmon, Allie Harmon and Tom Harmon; great-grandchildren, James Sager, Lane Sager, John Sager, Logan Ladd, Billie Ladd, Madeline McCarty and McKenzie McCarty; sister, Patricia Barton; son-in-law, Patrick Dunahay and other loving family and friends.

A Memorial Service for Sydney will be held at 3:30 pm, Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at Holly Creek Retirement Community, 5500 E Peakview Ave, Centennial, CO 80121. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Denver Dumb friends League www.ddfl.org or the Denver Zoo: www.support.denverzoo.org. Syd loved them both!!!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerchapelhill.com for the family of Sydney Harmon.