legacy with her family and community by inspiring, encouraging and modeling the work
for social justice, love of the arts, creativity and engagement with the global community.
Courtenay was born January 10, 1922 in Houston, TX to Dr. William McDuffie Brumby
and Lila Kirby Ralston Brumby. She met her husband, James Edward White (Ed), at the
University of Texas, Austin and were married on February 1, 1941. They had a strong,
loving partnership for 62 years.
Ed was a co-founder of the Marathon Oil Research Center and later Professor of
Geophysics at Colorado School of Mines. His work trips allowed them to catch the
‘travel bug’ and they visited over 50 countries over the years, including extended stays in
Russia, Australia and China. Courtenay expertly planned many of these trips, often in
association with scientific conferences. With the development of their global view
Courtenay and Ed graciously opened their home to foreign exchange students and
international friends, including prominent scientists and royalty. Many of these global
connections lasted for decades and inspired both her children and grandchildren to global
perspective and travel.
Courtenay and Ed raised four children in Littleton: Becky Vanderslice, Duffie White,
Marie Jamieson and Coco Forte, all of whom graduated from Littleton High School.
Courtenay was an active community volunteer in Littleton and named Foremost Mother
of the Year in 1963. She was very interested in and involved with her children,
grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and proud of their many accomplishments. She
taught swimming to disabled children and was the chairperson on the Camp Fire Leaders
Association for Littleton. Courtenay supported and volunteered over the decades for
women political candidates and many progressive causes. Courtenay and Ed enjoyed
bridge and she became a Master Bridge player. Courtenay was certainly an early adopter
of Mid-Century Modern design in homes, furniture and dress. She was known for her
fashion-forward and colorful apparel.
Courtenay and Ed were active lifelong members of the Unitarian Universalist Church.
Throughout her life Courtenay was an advocate for social justice and peace and has
passed this passion for justice to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Courtenay was an art lover and a prolific water colorist. Each of her children have
extended this creativity through photography, ceramics, painting, and weaving.
Survivors include her four children, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed, her brother, Birt Brumby, and sister, Lila
Brumby Brown.
A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date at the family cabin in
Pinecliffe, Colorado.
Contributions may be made to ACLU, Planned Parenthood, or a charity of your choice.
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