Naomi Evelyn Triplett

Naomi Evelyn Triplett passed away on May 1, 2020 of natural causes; she was 97 years old.

Naomi was born on November 8, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois to John Sanford Triplett and Erna Laqueur Goldstein Triplett. Naomi’s parents, John and Erna met while both were employed “in entertainment”, as she learned to tell her peers, by Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus. John as a clown and accomplished juggler and Erna as a ballet girl and bare-back rider. The family moved to Dolton, Illinois in 1949 where they resided for 41 years. In 1990 Naomi and her sister Joan moved to Boulder, living in the Palo Park neighborhood. Following Joan’s death in 2001, Naomi decided to move to San Antonio to be with her only remaining family, her beloved nephew, Frank, and his wife, Sandi. Naomi moved to San Antonio in 2005 but returned to Boulder in 2007. “My heart never left Boulder.” she said.

Naomi graduated from Hyde Park High School, Chicago, attended Northwestern University, Chicago, and South Suburban College, South Holland, Ill where she received an Associates Degree in Arts. After moving to Boulder, she enrolled in and graduated from University of Colorado, Boulder in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Humanities.

Naomi worked for over 35 years in several major Chicago advertising agencies as a broadcast traffic manager, scheduling TV and Radio commercials on networks and local stations across the U.S. Not satisfied with being a secretary, she pushed to be one of the first women working in sales in that field. She retired from the D’Arcy Agency in 1986.

Naomi traveled widely in Europe; she considered her travels along, with achieving a college education, her most rewarding experiences. A proud card-carrying member of MENSA, she was a dedicated animal lover with many beloved and varied dogs over the years, and was a long time collector of American and Japanese art pottery. She loved “the hunt” as she gathered her wide collection.

Naomi’s longtime and treasured friends and neighbors contributed beyond words throughout her very active and fulfilling life through their unfailing support and affection. Thank you, Lydia, and William McClintock and their daughters, Louisa and Rebecca and Kathleen Spano, a long time friend who helped her find her final home at The Peloton.

Naomi was one of the first residents at The Peloton, when she bought her home and moved into it in 2008. She would often say that it was one of the best decisions of her life. She made many friends in the community, at the King Soopers grocery store, and everywhere she went. Naomi’s adventure stories about her youth, work, schooling, and travel were loved by all her neighbors and friends. Among the first were Ed and Kim Freymiller. They ended up “co-parenting” their dog Maggie, with her since she loved dogs so much. She was often seen around the property walking Maggie, and met many neighbors and their pets that way. Another dog-loving couple, Kathy Haven and Billie Pfieler would bring Moose, a chocolate lab to visit frequently. Down the hall, Bill Shunk and Pat Reid would call on her frequently. Bill often brought her fresh flowers. Scott and Martha Swaggert were also close. Scott was another one of her “singing” buddies. Martha shared her love of reading. Carol Meier loved her visits with Naomi, and organised Naomi’s 96th birthday party. Cake, ice cream, balloons, hats, flowers, a birthday crown and noisemakers all made the celebration a delight. Growing up in the Great Depression, it was her first ever party. Karen Harrison, who lived next door, was a mainstay and supporter. They both moved in around the same time, so stayed in frequent contact. On the other side of Naomi, Martha Paulson was a new kid on “the block”. Connecting quickly (as was Naomi’s way) Martha and Naomi shared lots of laughs and stories. Tucking her in at night became their lovely ritual. Naomi’s adventures stories about her youth, work, schooling, and travel were loved by all her neighbors and friends. The sudden passing of her dear friend and sometimes roommate Tony Jacobs also brought with it a silver lining in the last year of her life, by the name of Doug Abrell. A friend of Tony's, Doug and Naomi quickly became good friends during his frequent visits, and shared many a slice of pie. Fred Lochner, who religiously delivered her newspaper to her every morning, became a fast friend. They delighted in sharing stories and singing songs together. He was with her as she took her last breath.

During the last couple of years, as she experienced health setbacks, “Team Naomi” was formed by these neighbors, which supported her in being able to live in her own home. A close watch was kept on this amazing woman. She contributed to the lives of all who met her and had the privilege to call her a friend. She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Erna, her sisters Eileen Triplett Stanford, Eva Joan Triplett and her brother John Robert Triplett. She is survived by her nephew and his wife along with their 4 daughters and 7 grandchildren. And “Team Naomi”, who will miss her dearly.

Cremation and interment will occur at Mountain View Cemetery, Boulder. A Celebration of Life (“tailgate party”) will be scheduled in the future.