Jeanette Marilyn Vais

My mom lived 94 wonderful years filled with the love of her family, friends and neighbors.

Jeanette was born November 22, 1930, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She had three older brothers. Her family moved from Minnesota to Plattsmouth, Nebraska where she grew up.

My mom wore many hats in her long life. She was a wife, mom, grandma, great grandma (GG), nurse by career, daughter, sister, aunt and friend.

Following her graduation from Plattsmouth High School she went to nursing school graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1951. She met her future husband, Charlie, in 1951 in Omaha. They were married in 1952 and spent almost 60 years together before his passing in 2011. They had three children a son, Mike; two daughters, Janet and Marilyn.

My parents were a bit nomadic at the beginning of their marriage, moving around the country for Dad’s job. All three of us were born in different states, Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota in the span of four and a half years.

They finally settled for a second time in Denver in 1959. They began their time in Colorado on Beech Court in Golden. In 1963 they moved to Lakewood where she lived in the same home on West 22nd Place until 2022.

She was truly devoted to her family. Always actively involved with all her childrens and grandchildrens activities whether competitive swimming, football, cub scouts, campfire girls, piano, skiing, softball, soccer, you name it. She worked hard to be sure we were able to pursue all our interests.

While on Beech Court my parents, along with a few neighbors decided the neighborhood needed a swimming pool so all the kids would have a place to go in the Summers. They raised the funds to build and start Applewood Athletic Club which is still going strong today. We spent many fun summers there. All three of her children taught swimming, coached swim team and were lifeguards at the pool.

She truly loved our family vacations. We would have a family trip every summer, many fishing trips, skiing weekends, multiple vacations in Canada, California and other states. She and my dad loved their travels to Hong Kong, England, Scotland, and Canada.

They enjoyed traveling across the United States especially to Alaska, New York and California. She also had wonderful adventures to Peru and Scandavia with her dear cousin, Virginia.

My mom was a devoted Registered Nurse. She spent over 43 years working in the St. Anthony Hospital System in many different nursing roles. To stay ahead of the changes in the nursing profession, she went back to school with her dear friend, Margaret Bridge (also a nurse) to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, graduating in 1977.

She created a loving home on West 22nd Place where her children and grandchildren enjoyed many memories. Visitors were always welcome in her home. If you stopped by you would find her at her kitchen table reading the paper, talking on the phone or working on crossword puzzles. My brother, sister and I had friends who would stop by to see us. If we weren’t home she welcomed them in for a conversation around her kitchen table. All seven of her grandchildren grew up around the table, decorating Christmas Cookies, coloring Easter Eggs, for family dinners, homework, or just a visit always including Mac’n’Cheese, grilled cheese or anything else they may want.

She was surrounded by loving neighbors, all of whom watched out for her as she aged. As she made the transition from her home to Independent/Assisted Living she looked forward to their visits and car rides. We thank you all for your friendship and caring for her. Susan and Dave, my special thanks for your friendship with her and willingness to help me get her to appointments when I was out of town.

She also enjoyed Friday night dinners, visits and a long friendship with her dear friend Linda Swanson. They met during their late husbands fishing excursions. Mrs. Swanson and Kathy Craighead would pick her up every Friday after her move into Independent/Assisted Living and take her to dinner. She so looked forward to their time together.

As my mom made the transition to the end of her life she was surrounded by many kind, compassionate and dedicated caregivers at Nightingale Suites. They helped her and her family through this time. Her grandchildren were devoted to her. They would visit, take her for dinner, share their many new experiences and be sure she was comfortable.

She was preceded in death by her husband (Charlie), son (Mike), daughter (Marilyn), and her daughter-in-law (Cindi). She is survived by her daughter (Janet), two son-in-laws (Jerry and Tim), and seven grandchildren (Tony, Katie, Danny, Sarah, Jess, Neil and James). She was their biggest supporter, fan and adviser. She also was blessed with nine great grandchildren (Cooper, Brody, Maddie, Kaiya, Cora, Kayleigh, Lexi, Brynlie and Charlie). Her eyes lit up when they would visit. She always enjoyed special visits from all of her grand dogs.

Mom, you leave us with memories of love, devotion, laughs, conversations and all the activities around the kitchen table along with your valuable needlepoint gifts.

Our love to you always. You will stay in our hearts forever.

Love to you Mom,

Janet

In lieu of flowers please contribute on her behalf to the American Cancer Society.

A Memorial Service for Jeanette will be held Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cem, 7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

Following her Celebration of Life Service please join us for her reception at Mount Vernon Canyon Club, 24933 Club House Circle, Golden 80401.