Lenette Cecille Nelson Schwinn

Lenette Cecille Nelson Schwinn of Lakewood, Colorado passed peacefully at home on Sunday, October 1, 2023, after living bravely with breast cancer for twelve years.

A celebration of her life will be Saturday, October 28th, 2:00PM MDT, at Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, 11500 West 20th, Lakewood Colorado. Live streaming will be available at SOTH.net.

Lenette was born on August 27, 1953 in Kimball, Nebraska to Leonard and Laura (Sutherland) Nelson. She was raised on the Bar J Lazy V ranch in Kimball County, Nebraska. Lenette graduated from Dix High School in 1971 and then graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Education.

Lenette and Greg Schwinn met at the University of Nebraska in the fall of 1973. They married on May 27, 1978 in Lincoln and had fifty incredible years together.

Upon graduation from college, Lenette was hired to create the Children's Theater Department at the Lincoln Community Playhouse. As the Managing Director, she opened the Children's Theater Building in 1980. Lenette created the Theater Arts for Youth (TAFY) and taught theater classes, created the Very Special Arts Program and worked as an Artist-in-Residence for the State of Nebraska.

Her guiding principle was "children's theater, by children, for children". With that goal Lenette was able to impact the lives of hundreds of Nebraska youth, some who went on to work on Broadway and in film. From 1976 to 1998 she directed 33 plays, including "Winnie the Pooh", "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" and "A Wrinkle in Time". Lenette retired from the Playhouse in 1998.

Upon retirement from the theater, Lenette began working for the family homebuilding company, Schwinn Construction Company, which she transitioned into a successful Real Estate career. In 2019 she and Greg retired and moved to Lakewood, CO to be closer to family.

Lenette was an avid reader, she cherished her time with The Bookies, her book club. She loved the ocean, insisting she visit one at least every year... Hawaii and Maine were her favorites.

Lenette was a Baseball Mom, Nebraska Women's sports Fan, and a Royals fan. And how she loved her dogs through the years; Peppy, Pepper, Woody and Ozzie.

She is survived by her husband Greg, son Jacob and his wife Sarah, grandchildren Lucy and Bennett of Golden CO, and her Wire Fox Terrier, Zinna. Her siblings include Ed and Kelly Nelson of Sidney, NE; Roz and Rod Pearson of Kailua, HI; Jan Clark of Folsom, CA and Alyce Hamilton of Centennial, CO.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Memorials are to be directed to the Capital City Humane Society, 6500 So. 70th Street, Lincoln NE 68516 or the Foothills Animal Shelter, 580 McIntyre Street, Golden CO 80401.

"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you should always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart I'll always be with you."

– Winnie the Pooh