LaJean Monroe was born in Paducah, Kentucky in 1926. The family moved to Detroit in 1933 so her father could find employment in the auto factory.
When LaJean was 16, she got a job working at the candy counter at Neisner’s dime store. This is where she met her future husband, Dave who worked in the stock room. Dave would often quote a popular 1940’s song saying he “found a million dollar baby in a 5 & 10 cent store”.
Dave joined the Marines that same year and was deployed to China as he served in WW II. In 1945, Dave came home for a 10-day furlough – and married LaJean during his leave. A variety of circumstances led them to relocate to Denver, Colorado where they settled and were happily married for 70 years! LaJean went to beauty school and worked as a hairdresser for 54 years.
LaJean’s warmth, humor, and compassion won the hearts of those she knew. She will be dearly missed by family and friends who are forever grateful for the impact she had on our lives.