Shawn Rochelle Centeno

Shawn Centeno passed away Friday, September 17, 2021 at the age of 62. She was, and forever will be, a beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend.

Born Shawn Rochelle Boone on August 27, 1959 in Fontana, California to Jack and Ruby Boone, she was the youngest of five children. At a young age, her family moved to Portland, Oregon where she spent most of her childhood on the coast. Shawn absolutely loved the ocean, as well as the customary Sunday picnics her family had at the Benson State Recreation Area, in Rooster Rock State Park, or at Multnomah Falls.

As the youngest, she assumed the role of the pesky little sister. She would often shadow her sister, Holly, doing exactly as her big sister would, as well as relentlessly badger her only brother, Mark. However, as the nest grew empty, Shawn was forced to be on her own. At the age of 13, she was on the streets, out on her own. A natural maverick, she traveled the country, joining the job corps in Missouri at 16 years old. She spent many of her younger years traveling between her sister Holly’s place in Colorado, running amuck with her big brother Mark in Nevada, and her exceptional sister Claudia’s home in Oregon.

Shawn was an incredibly hard worker, often working two jobs to make ends meet. She would have it no other way, she was her own boss, and she would wander where she pleased. She was a fantastic aunt, but the only thing Shawn could want was a child of her own. In 1988, her wish became reality when she had her son, Caleb. From that day forward, he was her passion. For a fresh start, Shawn moved with her son back to Colorado in 1989. Soon after, she met Jose Centeno at her mom’s house. The couple began dating in 1991, buying a home together in ’92 and marrying in 1995.

Shawn worked as a dog groomer for a number of years before realizing her lifelong dream of owning her own parlor in 2002. She named her shop after her most precious companions, Honey, Barney, and Judy. Better known as HBJ’s, Shawn set the standard in making clients look fabulous. As a breeder and groomer specializing in standard poodles, she also opened Red Stands of Colorado Kennels where she broke the mold as a compassionate and knowledgeable breeder.

Shawn’s heart could be measured in the way she care for and nurtured her animals. She would ensure her pets were well taken care of, even at the expense of her own health. She deeply loved every animal she ever had in her 62 years, because to Shawn, they were a part of her family. She dedicated so much of her life to her beloved doggos, and in return, they made her leader of the pack.

Shawn was beyond thrilled for her first grandbaby in 2019, and even more overjoyed to have added another in 2021. She devoted her heart to her grandbabies, and held on to them tightly. She is survived by them, Ruby and Wylder. They will know all the good their grandma was.

Her memory will live on through her son, Caleb; her daughter-in-law, Sydney; her husband and partner of 32 years, Jose; her best friend and beloved sister, Holly; her brother and oldest friend, Mark; her oldest sister and fiercest companion, Claudia; and her big sister, Jackie. Shawn loved greatly, and will be remembered by, her nieces, April, Tina, Becky, Ramona, Tammy, and Julie; her nephew, Brandon; her 4 great-nieces, 13 great-nephews, 6 great-great-nephews, and 4 great-great-nieces. Shawn loved them all, and undoubtedly Facebook-stalked every one of them.

Shawn will be greatly missed. Her passion and devotion were second to none. Her loyalty and humanity were world-class. She will live for eternity in our hearts and soul.