Jackie Dee Gawne

She saw beauty in all things and looked for happiness and joy everywhere. She was kind beyond measure. It was hard when Jackie became sick. At times, her illness took the life right out of her and took the world away from her. She persevered as best as she could and tried to remain positive for those she loved. She was freed from this mortal life on January 24th 2025. Though her family is heartbroken, they find some small comfort in knowing she is no longer in pain. She leaves behind her adoring husband, Doug, and the sons she cherished more than life itself, Christopher and Patrick.

Jackie’s earthly journey began in Lake Oswego, Oregon on October 5th, 1955. She was the 5th of seven children born to Mary Elizabeth (White) and John Charles O’Donnell. Her family moved around the states for a time before landing in Colorado. The large O'Donnell family endured a myriad of challenges, but the siblings all found their own way through the world and have led fulfilling lives with now adult children of their own who were absolutely taught the meaning of love and family.

Jackie finished high school and then Beauty School in Denver, Colorado. She became an expert hairstylist and continued to make others beautiful for more than 40 years. She worked at numerous upscale salons before becoming her own boss in her own salon. She was an ambitious woman who really enjoyed her work. She was incredibly intelligent with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and information. Jackie was always reading and exercising her mind, as well as sharpening her comedic wit on her clients, friends, and family.

She was also an artist. She painted, did ink on stone stenciling, and worked with Lambspun fine arts gallery. Jackie truly appreciated the beauty of God's creation in nature and enjoyed the beautiful views, smells, & seasons of Colorado as well as the trips she took over her lifetime. She especially revered time outside with her dogs, taking them on walks and going to the dog park.

Jackie was beyond an amazing cook. She enjoyed working in the kitchen, feeding her family, and was superb at it. Her family will never forget holiday meals together and the special care Jackie took in making sure there was something special for everyone. Jackie was always the last to eat. She won her husband’s heart with a homemade pecan pie that was to die for!

Like so many love stories do nowadays, Jackie and Doug’s began online. Jackie was living in Evergreen and Doug in Morrison. They both enjoyed the outdoors, loved the mountains, and shared other interests. Jackie was beautiful and Doug was smitten. They say the way to the heart is through the stomach and the first time Jackie cooked for Doug he knew that was the absolute truth! They moved to Red Feather for a time and drew a wedding date out of a hat, which just happened to be the same day Doug’s parents were married on, and they wed in Arvada, Colorado on August 26th, 2000. Jackie in Doug settled in Fort Collins when they found a house for sale with a salon in the basement which was advertised as “Hairstylist needed for home”. Together, Jackie and Doug enjoyed the company of their dogs, playing cards, video poker, and going to the casinos. Jackie was the most unorthodox poker player. One never knew if she was bluffing, or hoping, or if she had it. She was so fun to be around and to be with. Jackie was always so lively and so happy.

Doug may have been the love of Jackie’s life, but her children were her world. She was so proud of her boys, Christopher and Patrick, and was always there for them. Even when times were tough, Jackie never gave up on her kids. Her boys were her life. She went above and beyond caring for them. Jackie could not have been a better mother.

Jackie will indeed be missed by her family, dear friends, clients, and all who were blessed enough to know her. These words, however, in no way capture the depth of love that was and is still felt for Jackie. Her beautiful spirit remains.

Along with her husband, Doug, and sons, Christopher and Patrick, Jackie is survived by her stepchildren Jessie, Lalanya, and Josh; granddaughters Geneva and Florence; Pat’s fiancé Sierra and Chris’s girlfriend Cassie; and by her siblings, Kelly, Leslie, Mike, Mark, Pat, and Mary; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her beloved canine companion, Charlie, who Jackie adopted and cared tirelessly for.

On the other side she joins her mother, Mary, who died when Jackie was just 15 years of age; her father John; and her dearly departed Collie, Laddie, that she and Doug raised together.

A Celebration of Jackie’s Life will be held on Wednesday, March 12th, 2025 at 2pm at Resthaven Funeral Home in Fort Collins. Please feel free to dress comfortably. Casual attire, including jeans, is appropriate. There is no strict dress code, just come as you are. This will be a time of life, laughter, and remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, the family desires that donations be made to either the Animal Friends Alliance in Fort Collins or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Treasured memories of Jackie welcome at resthavencolorado.com.