Aileen J. Deffke

Aileen Jewell Deffke passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on February 22nd inLongmont, Colorado, her home for 53 years.She was born in Denver, Colorado, to Albert Henry and Eva Fauber Jewell on July 13, 1921, and graduated from South High School. In 1943 she graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder, with a degree in Chemistry and a teaching certificate. She was one of just a few women to earn a degree in the sciences at that time. She married James Robert Deffke in Sprecklesville, Hawaii, in April, 1944, where she taught high school during the balance of the war. She also taught high school in California, where Jim was later transferred by the Marines.After Jim separated from the Marines, they moved back to Eaton, Colorado, Jim's hometown. She later continued her education at UNC (then Colorado State College) in Greeley, securing a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling. In 1962, she accepted a position at Longmont High School as a high school Guidance Counselor and the family relocated to Longmont. She served the St. Vrain Valley Schools for 25 years as both guidance counselor and teacher for English as a Second-Language (ESL) before retiring in 1987.She was actively involved in her church, First Congregational (United Church of Christ), serving in many capacities to help raise funds (new roof, new pews, new piano, new carpet, new sound system, new chapel, and community outreach funds for organizations such as the OUR Center). One of her lasting accomplishments was serving as chair for the annual Christmas Home Tour which raised a record amount of money during her leadership tenure.Aileen was a long-time member of P.E.O. and the Columbine Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, brother and sister.She is survived by her children: Larry of Granbury, Texas, Donna of Longmont, and one granddaughter, Laura Pratt (Ms. David) of Dallas Texas. In addition, she is also survived by two great grandchildren, Meredith and Evan Pratt.A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 4, 2017 at the United Church of Christ (First Congregational) in Longmont. Memorial contributions can be made to United Church of Christ. Cremation entrusted to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.