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Jean Bechler Raphael passed away peacefully on February 16, 2021 in Colorado Springs, her home for the past 20 years. She was born in Chicago in 1922 to the late Gertrude and Charles Bechler, spending her childhood and much of her adult life in the Chicago metropolitan area. She was married to Jack L. Raphael in 1946 who predeceased her in 1988. She is survived by their three children and their families:  Taffy Raphael (Jim Gavelek) of Chicago; Ralph Raphael (Elaine Richman) of Baltimore; and Dennis Raphael (Kate) of Colorado Springs.  She is also survived by four grandchildren: David (Lesley), Matt, Alex, and Sam and two great-grandchildren: Jack and Charlie. 

Jean was active in the Jewish communities in Chicago, Albuquerque, and Colorado Springs through her work with Sisterhood and Hadassah and in community libraries through their book club programs. She volunteered throughout her life, from helping shelter dogs become more adoptable to work supporting museums of art. She loved the arts, from theater to music to the visual arts. Professionally, Jean and her husband Jack founded Raphael’s Pharmacy in Harvey, IL, a forerunner in providing surgical supplies supporting residents in the area for 40 years. She herself summed up her life in one of her last conversations, indicating that she felt ‘lucky’ to have lived the life she did. 

Jean will be missed.  Due to Covid-19, the funeral arrangements, in Colorado Springs, will be held primarily by Zoom.