Phyllis (Jean) Trombley

Phyllis (Jean) Trombley

5/2/1945 – 12/24/2024

Jean Trombley passed away peacefully at her home on Christmas Eve, surrounded by her entire family and the gentle glow of her Christmas tree. In her final moments, she remained enveloped in the same abiding love she had given so generously throughout her life.

Jean was the devoted wife of James (Jim) Trombley, and the loving mother of Brian O'Hara (wife Becky), Erica Hernandez (husband Jesse), and Michael Trombley (husband Roy Guerra). She was also the cherished grandmother of Veronica O'Hara, Alyssa Benjamin, and Hannah Hernandez. In her home, Jean cultivated deep connections that anchored her family’s shared values of empathy, support, and love.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, with an innate compassion for others, Jean dedicated her life to advancing equitable opportunities and uplifting those around her. When she moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, and as a young mother, she began launching herself into a passion for activism. While pursuing degrees in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska, she served on the board of the League of Women Voters, was active in the Nebraska Women’s Political Caucus, and lent her voice to the Women’s Lobby and numerous charity initiatives. From organizing small fundraising drives to tackling broader political and social issues, Jean never lost sight of her central mission: to ensure fair opportunities for all, particularly for women facing systemic barriers—even before stepping into her first professional roles.

Building on her education and early activism, Jean became the first Executive Director of the Nebraska Commission on the Status of Women (1974–1985), a government agency dedicated to enhancing the status of women. In this pivotal role, she worked tirelessly to promote women’s representation in government, foster more inclusive workplaces, and shape progressive policies that expanded opportunities. In the early ‘80’s, she was even invited to campaign for the presidency of the National Organization for Women (NOW), but turned it down in order to ensure she held on to a balance of career vs. family. She once described in an interview in The Lincoln Star newspaper, “you can do a good job as a mother and still seek fulfillment in other roles,” highlighting the importance of family in her life.

From 1985 to 1987, after moving to Colorado, Jean served as Executive Director of Alternatives to Family Violence, managing a domestic violence victim support program and shelter. Her unwavering compassion drove her to create safer environments and advocate for survivors’ rights.

In 1987, Jean was selected as the first Executive Director of the Denver Victim Service Center, a volunteer-based agency offering comprehensive, coordinated services to victims of violent crime. She led this organization from 1987 to 2000, guiding it to national recognition. During her tenure, Jean received several honors, including:

· 2002 Martin Luther King Jr. Nonprofit Excellence Award

· Department of Justice Award for Leadership in the Colorado Oklahoma Resource Council

· National Organization for Victim Assistance Non-Profit Leadership Award

These accolades reflected her steadfast commitment to ensuring dignity, support, and healing for survivors and families of violent crimes.

From 2000 to 2003, Jean served as Executive Director of Community Alternatives, Inc., working closely with the 18th Judicial District Probation Department to help individuals on probation rebuild their lives. Her belief in second chances underscored her dedication to justice and compassion. She then spent 2003 to 2006 as Executive Director of the Jeffco Family Support Network, a nonprofit assisting families raising children with mental illness, broadening her advocacy to meet the diverse needs of her community.

Jean’s life illuminated a path of empathy, action, and hope. Whether through advancing women’s representation, championing survivors of violence, or uplifting marginalized communities, she left an indelible mark on every endeavor she touched. Her devotion to family, grounded in kindness and understanding, was the wellspring of her activism and service, and became the foundation of the faith that became her centering focus later in life.

Her faith—which she often summed up in the simple yet profound phrase, “God is Love”—remained the bedrock of her inclusive worldview, prompting her to welcome all with open arms. This deepened over time through her practice of Centering Prayer, particularly at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church and St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church. She served as President of Good Shepherd United Methodist Women and supported the Denver American Indian Festival, among other local initiatives.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on January 25, 2025, at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church (3960 E 128th Ave, Thornton, CO 80241) with a reception to follow after. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her name to the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church (address above) or the Southern Poverty Law Center (https://secure.splcenter.org/page/72074/donate), reflecting her lifelong pursuit of justice, mercy, and love.