MAY 28, 1942 – JULY 10, 2021
E. Joann Blei of Fort Collins Colorado, passed away peacefully Saturday July 10th 2021.
Mom worked 50 years in the healthcare industry as a Certified Nursing Assistant caring for the elderly. She was a strong patient advocate whose reputation was one of compassion and love for her patients and a fighter for their rights.
Jody, as many fondly remember her, was a self-taught artist in pencil drawing, chalk, charcoal, oil and acrylic paint. She took her love of painting and applied it to many different types of canvases. Such as ceramics, paper, mirrors, and glass. You could always count on seeing mountains and horses in her work. She also enjoyed crocheting, home DIY projects, sewing, country swing dancing, picnics & watching Gene Simmons reality TV. That’s right, the demon with the 10 inch spiked boots, bass guitar player of the band, KISS. She loved that show.
Mom took her friendships very seriously. It did not matter if you were friends for a day or shared a friendship that expanded over 65 years. She was loyal to each and everyone. She was also opinionated, stubborn, and fiercely independent. Mom often described herself saying, “I’m a bitch and I know it. Don’t like me? Tough”. She was called a “tough cookie” and some people thought she was cold hearted. Those are the ones who didn’t know very well.
Mom is survived by us three kids. Delona Blei, James Blei and Robert Blei. Her seven grandchildren, and Seventeen great grandchildren. Her brothers Harry and Alan Honeycutt, both of whom are living in Fort Collins, Co. As well as many nieces, nephews and cousins who have spread out from Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana and beyond.
She is preceded in death by our dad, her late ex-husband and good friend Merle Blei, with whom she will be lying next to throughout all eternity. Her elder bother Gene Honeycutt and her only sister, Evie Jones, and her parents Grady and Esther Honeycutt.
Mom will be laid to rest on Friday August 20th, 2021 at Resthaven Memory Gardens, located at 8426 US-287, Fort Collins, CO 80525. She wanted things to be kept simple. We will meet you all at the grave site. Anyone wishing to share a memory is welcomed to do so.
Mom did not want anyone to be sad when she died. She did not want “a damn funeral”. With that in mind, we will be having a Celebration of Life potluck, at City Park in Fort Collins so the kids can play, while the adults can lovingly gossip about her and catch up on things. We invite you to bring a favorite dish or stop by King Soopers.
