Imogene Mae Rider

It isn't possible to put into words the importance of friendship and how much Jean meant to me. She stayed involved in my life since the first day we met in Elizabeth when she walked into the old bank building on Main Street 37 years ago. It was mine and Bobbie Segler's art studio which was rented from Jan and John Taylor from 1979 until 1992. Jan told me that Jean was so happy they rented to artists! Bobbie was also a dear friend of Jean's and passed away at a very young age; before she reached 40. When Bobbie was ill, Jean would come over to her house in a clown suit, to try and cheer her up! Jean herself was a talented artist who expressed herself on giant canvases often in bold strokes and brilliant colors. This is also how she lived her life: she was bold, brilliant and fabulous. She had the voice of an angel; and tap danced to "Putting on the Ritz" at many social events! She wanted everyone around her to be happy. Her positive attitude was infectious. Jean's philosophy in life was to live life to the fullest. She believed in the people she loved, especially her family; and equally believed in those who were less fortunate in life. Jean Rider was on the Board of Director's of the Alternative High School in Idaho Springs which I ran as principal for 9-years. She often spoke to the high school at-risk youth in my program, encouraging them to do better in life. She attended the City Council meetings when we rallied to get a larger school in Empire; she came to all of our Honors ceremonies at Clear Creek High School; and Jean especially enjoyed attending the Metropolitan Mayor's and Commissioner's Youth Awards held in Denver where at-risk students from Colorado were awarded college scholarships. Our One Room School House students earned many of these awards. She knew them by name and always let them know how proud she was of each and every one of them. She was also proud of my accomplishments as well and in a motherly fashion, always introduced me as "Dr." after I earned my doctorate in Education. We always joked that she had a "doctorate in life" and I believe that is the truth. I always appreciated how much Jean cared and we both knew that we could always count on each other as friends.  

My husband Sam, my son Andy Mosijczuk, and my children Orest and his wife Molly Mosijczuk, loved and respected Jean and are equally saddened by her passing.  

I will miss her with all my heart.