Juanita Jacqueline Greeley

February 22, 1927 – April 13, 2025

Juanita Jacqueline Greeley, known lovingly by all as Jackie, Mama Jackie, or Grandma Jackie, passed away peacefully in 2025 at the age of 98. Her remarkable journey through life was filled with deep love, hearty laughter, endless curiosity, and unwavering dedication to family and service.

Jackie was born February 22, 1927, in Topeka, Kansas, “in the shadow of the capitol building,” as she fondly recalled. Her birth certificate listed her as Waunita Jacqueline Simmons—a misspelling that added to her unique story. She was the beloved daughter of Delbert Ernest Simmons and Nila Doris Simmons (née Miller).

As a child of the Great Depression, Jackie’s early years were marked by resilience. Her family moved to a farm near Kanona, Kansas, where she was educated in a one-room schoolhouse and famously befriended a mischievous goat—a tale that lived on in family lore. In 1934, her family relocated to Ventura, California, to escape the Dust Bowl. There, her father contributed to the war effort by constructing military camps during WWII.

Jackie returned to Kansas as a teenager and graduated from Decatur Community High School in Oberlin in 1944. A passionate learner and lover of the arts, Jackie went on to study Occupational Therapy at the University of Kansas, becoming a dedicated member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the Kappa Phi Alpha Chapter.

While completing her training at Letterman General Hospital in San Francisco, fate stepped in when she met her future husband, Staff Sergeant Robert “Bob” Edward Greeley, a WWII veteran and POW survivor. Jackie and Bob were married on November 13, 1948, in San Francisco, and spent the next 55 years building a life rooted in love, family, and adventure.

Jackie and Bob raised three sons—Reggie, Gregory, and Geoffry—and created a warm, vibrant home filled with creativity, books, and home-cooked meals. Family trips to Disneyland, the Redwoods, and the Seattle World’s Fair became cherished memories. Jackie also found time to serve as a Den Mother, book club host, and avid gardener. Her rose garden was her pride and joy. Jackie had this beautiful, million dollar smile.

Bob and Jackie lived across several states, including California, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, and Hawaii. Jackie later worked for an optometrist and remained a lifelong learner and artist. Her hobbies included reading mysteries, painting watercolors, playing the organ, and social card games—especially poker and Yahtzee. She cheered for KU and the Denver Broncos with equal passion. What's more, Jackie had a passionate love for animals.

In her golden years, Jackie moved to the Inn at Greenwood Village in 2021, where she continued to make new friends, win at Bingo, and brighten lives with her humor and grace. She is remembered for her signature wit, often declaring: “I’m a Pisces… That’s why I’m always chasing my tail!”

Jackie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bob in 2003. She is survived by her sons Reggie (Lynda), Gregory (Laura), and Geoffrey (Shala); grandchildren Sahar (Thad), Rachelle, Felicia, Sarita; great-grandchildren June, Eleanore, Thad Jr., and many more extended family members and friends who were touched by her warmth and spirit.

Juanita Jacqueline Greeley’s life was a rich tapestry woven with kindness, humor, and resilience. She will be dearly missed and forever celebrated by all who were fortunate to know her.