Obituary of Jeanette Kahan Bernstein

Jan (Jeanette) Kahan Bernstein was known by everyone who came into contact with her as a loving, warm, kind, loyal person, an intelligent woman who loved to learn - if not a skeptic, with a salty sense of humor.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, who passed away on April 14, 2023 at the age of 83, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Jan was born on January 6, 1940, to James and Lilah Kahan, in Denver, Colorado. She grew up in Denver where she attended the University of Colorado at Boulder graduating with a BA in Political Science.

After completing her undergraduate education, Jan married Udell (Dell) Lawrence Bernstein on February 24, 1963. He was truly the absolute love of her life. They raised three cherished children together: David, Rochelle and Deborah (Debbie). Together, Jan and Dell built a life of love, family, loyalty, lots of dancing, and a sense of adventure through traveling - often throughout the Colorado wilderness as avid hikers and backpackers. Many family memories were built in the majestic Colorado mountains.

Jan was a devoted mother who always put her family first. She worked tirelessly to provide for her children and instilled in them a deep sense of love, compassion, and empathy.

Jan took pride in making lifelong friends and cultivated a love for learning and community which took her on a journey to earn a Law Degree from University of Colorado at Denver. She thrived under the intellectual demands from law school, making dear friends along the way, and contributing to community growth by starting CWEE, the Colorado Women’s Employment and Education organization that seeks to combat the roots of poverty that is still active today.  Her kindness, generosity, and warmth touched the lives of countless people.

Jan will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her children remember her as a generous, loving and supportive mother who always had time for them, no matter what. Her grandchildren will miss her endless hugs and kisses, singing, her stories and her love. Her friends remember her as a kind and caring person who always put others first.

Jan is survived by her 3 children and her 6 grandchildren. 

Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her as the blessing that she is.