Jean Pilon

Montessori educator, businesswoman, and horsewoman, Jean Marie Pilon passed away March 9th in Fort Collins, Colorado after a battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. Jean faced the difficulties of FTD with her characteristic zest for life. Her bright-loving personality made her a joy to all the staff and brought meaning and joy to her son's family who cared for her in her last years and days.

Jean was born on December 20, 1936, to parents James Clifton Alexander and Edith Juanita Jones. Jean was married to John Leonard Pilon Jr. on October 8, 1960, in Glenview, Illinois. John and Jean lived in La Grange Park, Illinois, and they enjoyed racing sailboats out of Burnham Park Harbor in Chicago. Jean received her Masters in Education from the Chicago Teachers College in 1963 followed by subsequent training in Montessori education. Jean started her first Montessori School school in the Chicago area in the early seventies.

Jean and her family moved to Douglas County Colorado in 1975 where she continued her life-long commitment to Montessori and educating children. Jean rented out the Castle Rock Pool building to start her first Colorado Montessori school in 1975. Jean subsequently purchased an empty lot at 995 N. Ridge Road in Castle Rock and built the Castle Rock Montessori School building that is currently occupied by the Emmaus Anglican Church. Jean's boundless energy led her to start a second school, the Montessori School at Lone Tree and was an essential driver for the formation of the DCS Montessori School. Both schools continue Jean's legacy of providing outstanding Montessori education in Douglas County and Southern Denver.

Jean was also an avid horsewoman, traveler, and loved sea kayaking in the waters of Captiva, Florida. Jean regularly participated in 50-mile endurance horse races with her beloved Arabians Gazon and Embolden. Jean is survived by her husband John L. Pilon Jr., brother Roger Alexander, Sister-in-Law Ramelle Alexander; daughter Jackie A. Schiable, son John L. Pilon III, Daughter-in-Law Marcella A. Pilon; and grandchildren Marguerite Pilon, Ella Pilon, Linden Schiable, Hayden Schiable and Danica Schiable

In lieu of a service, the Staff of the Lone Tree Montessori School and her son John will be starting a 501c(3) non-profit, "The Jean M. Pilon Foundation for Montessori Education", focused on training the next generation of Montessori teachers and supporting underserved families seeking high-quality private Montessori education. For additional information on how to contribute please contact Melissa Graham at: frontoffice@montessoriatlonetree.com or (303) 799-8540.