2011 Landmarks Board Historic Preservation Awards

Dorothy Gay Howard Gravestone Reconstruction

The Landmarks Board recognizes Silvia Pettem, Mary Reilley-McNellan, and Mike Greenwood for their contributions in reconstructing the identity and grave marker of Dorothy Gay Howard. Silvia’s determination and meticulous research is where it all began. Her global perseverance resolved the true identity of a Boulder murder victim from 1954, and Jane Doe finally became known as Dorothy Gay Howard. Desiring to honor the memory of her life and bring closure to her identity within Columbia Cemetery, both Mary and Mike removed the Jane Doe grave marker from the site and attached it to a new headstone engraved with her real name. Silvia’s incredible detective work, Mary’s sensitivity in coordinating the replacement headstone, and Mike’s generosity in donating a newly inscribed and reconstructed stone truly honor Dorothy Gay Howard’s life, her death and the importance of bringing closure to the decades-long mystery of her identity as a member of the Boulder community.