Jennifer Chambers-Neff

Durango resident Jennifer L. Chambers-Neff passed away from cancer at her home on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. She was 61.

Jennifer, also known as Jenny, was born to Dean Melvin Chambers and Laurena Georgia Wyatt on January 3, 1951 in Fullerton, Calif. She grew up in Dana Point, Calif. and graduated San Clemente High School in 1969. Jennifer studied Art Education at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, receiving a BA in 1974. She later completed an MFA from the University of Denver in 1996.

Jennifer married George Neff in 1979 in Greeley, Colo. at Michener Library. Although they divorced in 1994, they remained friends.

Jennifer taught ceramics at the University of Northern Colorado before moving to Durango in 2001, where she continued to make pottery in her studio. She was also active in many community arts organizations, including the Durango Arts Center and the Durango Public Art Commission.

Throughout her career, Jennifer led pottery, glazing and firing workshops across the state, and was regularly invited to exhibit her work in galleries. In 1986, Jennifer cofounded Madison and Main Gallery in Greeley, and served as its president.

Jennifer was also an avid gardener, reaping large harvests from fruit trees, vegetables and flowers that thrived in her back yard. She enjoyed camping with her dog Henri and cheering on the Colorado Avalanche during hockey season. She was a kind, resourceful and loving person who never failed to find humor in any situation and was always ready to strike up a conversation with anyone she met.

She is survived by daughters Bree Neff of Waltham, Mass., and Maya Neff of Seattle, Wash.; former husband and friend George Neff of Greeley, Colo.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jennifer may be made to: Mercy Home Health and Hospice of Mercy, 1 Mercado Street, Suite 270, Durango, CO 81301, (970) 382-2000, or Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, CA 92629 (949) 496-2274.