Medora Wilson Douden Our beloved mother and grandmother, Medora Wilson Douden, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2014 at age 90. She is survived by her three children and four grandchildren. A third-generation Colorado native, she graduated from The Kent School for Girls, attended Wheelock College in Boston, and then returned to the University of Colorado to complete her B.A. After college, she taught preschool and kindergarten at Graland Country Day School. A true Colorado woman, she was equally at ease duck hunting with her father as riding a horse with no saddle or bridle while wearing a ball gown. Playing her last round of golf at 86, her love of sports continued throughout her life. Her beloved husband, Paul ("Pete") Douden, Jr., won her heart by learning how to keep up with her while skiing down "Hell's Half Acre" on Berthoud Pass. They were married in 1947 and spent sixty-four loving years adventuring together before he passed away in 2011 at age 91. In addition to helping raise their three children, Medora tirelessly volunteered for countless community organizations, including the Denver Junior League, Central City Opera Guild, Denver Symphony (now CSO), Colorado Symphony Debutante Ball, Colorado Arlberg Club, Ascension Episcopal Church Altar Guild, and parent associations for her children's schools, to name a few. As a result of her poise and organizational skills, she held leadership roles in many of these organizations. She never lost her spirit of exploration or vivacity, traveling all over the world with her family and friends, and even to Russia at the age of 84. Her warm heart, loyalty, and vibrant personality won her enduring friendships from people of all ages and backgrounds. She derived great joy from her four grandchildren, who adored her. An integral component in the lives of her family, she attended innumerable horse shows, figure skating competitions, school plays, dance recitals, soccer games, and scouting activities as well as graduations and weddings. Above all, we will cherish her devotion to her family and friends and the kindness, patience, and integrity she taught us. A service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 11:00am at Church of the Ascension, 600 Gilpin Street, Denver, Colorado.


Published in Denver Post on Sept. 14, 2014