Jacqueline A. Chaet

Jacqueline (Jackie) A. Chaet, 85, passed away after living in severe pain for 10 months. She was always resilient and such a fighter, but her body just couldn’t fight anymore. Jackie is preceded in death by her husband, Jack (2006); father, Jules (1986); mother, Mariette (1984) and granddaughter, Shelby (2021). She is survived by her son, Brian; daughter, Jennifer; granddaughter, Brittany (Tim) and great grandson, Zachary.

Jackie was born, June 19, 1939, in Couillet, Belgium, to Jules and Mariette (Andre) Montagne. She and her parents came to the United States, in 1947, after being a part of the Belgian Resistance during WWII. During the Resistance her parents hid Jewish children from the Nazi’s, amongst many more dangerous missions. Jackie had an amazing memory and sharp mind. Her true life stories of survival and bravery they all endured during the Nazi invasion of Belgium will be missed.

She was just 8 years old when she and her parents immigrated to the United States. They spent their first year in Bulger, Pennsylvania. In 1948, they moved to Leadville, Colorado. Her parents found work at the Climax Molybdenum Mine. Jackie attended the Max Schott School in Climax, Colorado from 1948-1955. For her Junior and Senior years of high school, she attended Saint Scholastica Academy in Canon City, Colorado, class of 1957. After High School, she attended St. Mary College, in Leavenworth, Kansas, for 2 years. Jackie came back to Colorado, so she could attend X-ray Technology School at St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Denver. She graduated from X-ray Technology School in 1961. After her father had some health issues, she moved back to Leadville and found work at the Climax Mine.

In December 1965, she met her husband, Jack, while working at the Climax Mine in Leadville. They were happily married on May 21, 1966. Through adoption proceedings they welcomed their son, Brian to their family in 1967 and their daughter, Jennifer, in 1969. Jackie spent her life being a loving, caring wife and mother. Her family was the most important thing to her. She loved being a mom and later a grandma to Shelby and Brittany. Then a great grandma to Zachary. She loved spending time with her family, every day. She would do anything for them. Her kids and grandkids could always count on her unwavering love. Her love was unconditional and never ending. She will be deeply missed by all of them. Jackie was her families calm in chaos and wisdom in confusion. She brought peace, understanding and strength to her family. She will be remembered for her unconditional love and support that she always gave. Not only was she always there for her family, but to friends, as well. Her door was always open for visitors. If you came by, you were greeted with a smile, a glass of iced tea and a slice of her homemade banana bread. We are comforted knowing that she is now pain free and joining her beloved Jack, who she has missed for 18 years. Her strength will live on in all of us.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be in the form of contributions to any of the following charities: American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Kidney Fund or St. Jude’s. Jackie spent her life fighting cancer twice, heart disease, kidney disease and was a long time supporter of St. Jude’s.