Obituary of Libby Printz

Beloved mother, grandmother, volunteer, and dedicated professional fundraiser, Libby Printz died peacefully at The Denver Hospice on January 18, 2024. She was 93 years old.

Libby had boundless energy, a wonderful sense of humor, a keen intelligence and curiosity about the world, and an unwavering zest for life. She adored her children, grandchildren and late husband Jerry, while juggling a busy career raising funds for cancer research, the arts, and other Denver nonprofit organizations.

At age 65, when most people are ready for retirement, Libby started a new job as director of development for the University of Colorado Cancer Center. Persuasive, charming, and a cancer survivor herself, she continued working there for 18 years, helping raise millions of dollars for vital research.

Libby was equally committed and generous to a fault with her family, raising three children and spoiling her five grandchildren. After losing her cherished husband Jerry in a tragic car accident in 2005, Libby summoned the strength to carry on and set an amazing example for her family.

Libby was born in Philadelphia to the late Meyer and Bess Frommer. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in art history  from Vassar College. One of her first jobs was teaching third grade at the American School in Taiwan. While there, she made many international friends, participated in a theater group, and traveled to Hong Kong.

Soon after marrying Jerry in 1961, they moved to Denver, and it became her adopted home.

People who knew her described Libby as “a force of nature.” While raising her children, she wrote humor columns for local newspapers and magazines, served on the board of the Vassar College Alumni Association and even had a brief on-air stint as the “Unusual Stuff Finder” for the local TV program “Noonday.” She was a spirited tennis player and skier and enjoyed traveling with Jerry and family members to Australia, England, Paris, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, and many Western landmarks and national parks. But above all, she loved Denver and the mountains.

When her children were older, Libby returned to work, finding her calling as a fundraiser while working for National Jewish Health, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and the University of Colorado Cancer Center. She loved a good party and hosted many memorable New Years Eve parties, among others. She also put those skills to work planning numerous successful philanthropic events. Libby was an avid reader, crossword puzzle solver, bridge player, dedicated supporter of the arts, history buff, follower of current events, and relentless cheerleader for her children and grandchildren.

Like Jerry, who had a wonderful sense of humor, Libby wanted to be remembered as someone who loved to laugh. She was a whirlwind of energy and love, and her family will always miss her. She is survived by her children Amy (Phil) Winterfeld, Harry (Vanessa) Printz, Carrie (Wayne) Printz,  grandchildren Michael, Andrew, Madeline, Isabel, and Ethan, and a brother, Robert. She was predeceased by her dearly beloved husband Jerry Printz.

A celebration of Libby’s life will be held at a later date. Please consider memorial contributions in her name to the University of Colorado Cancer Center or the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.