Louine Vaughan

Louine Carol Anderson Vaughan, age 82, of Centennial, Colorado, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2024. Born in Warren, Ohio, on February 2, 1942, to Carl and Dorothy Anderson, Louine was a pioneering spirit whose dedication to the mental health community marked her distinguished 50-year career.

Louine was raised in Orwell, Ohio, where she had her first job as a telephone operator in 1958, and later graduated from Grand Valley High School in 1960. Louine began her college education at Muskegon College before transferring to Alaska Methodist University for her senior year and obtaining her BA. During her time in Alaska, Louine had a formative experience, living through the earthquake of 1964 in Anchorage. Louine would often reflect on this experience and how her best friend, Dennis, had saved her life.

After surviving the earthquake, Louine went on to receive a MSW from the University of Chicago, as well as a Certificate of Church and Community from McCormick Theological Seminary in 1968. Her career in social work began at Eastfield Ming Quong as a House Mother, spanning over five decades. She was the first woman counselor at Oklahoma State University's Counseling Department, and later obtained her LCSW in Colorado. Louine excelled as a therapist at Bethesda Mental Health Center.

In 1978, Louine co-founded the Front Range Center in Denver, Colorado, with her partners: Diane Cannizaro, Ernie Schwartz, Joe Gibson, and, later, Michael Kirby. The Front Range Center became a cornerstone of hope and healing for the greater Denver community. In 2012, Louine began her solo practice as a psychotherapist, focusing primarily on marriage and individual counseling.

Louine's love for music was matched by her passion for friends and cousins. She found great joy, love, and laughter in travel, long talks, and countless hours enjoying the company of her loved ones. Her personal life was filled with deep love and connection. She married Tom Vaughan in 1968 and, soon after, moved to Denver, Colorado, where she had her beloved son, Guy Benjamin Vaughan. After her divorce in 1976, she found love again with Jean Milan in 1978. They married on April 16, 1982, and Jean proved to be the love of her life. He remained so despite his passing in 2000.

Louine was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Before she passed, Louine had eagerly anticipated the arrival of her latest great-granddaughter. She is survived by her son, Guy Benjamin; daughter-in-law, KellyJo L. Vaughan; grandchildren Zeb and Zoe Vaughan; and great-grandson, Ryder Vaughan.

Louine was a guiding light to her family, friends, and the many lives she touched through her professional and volunteer work.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Louine Vaughan Memorial Fund.