October 17, 1950 – August 18, 2026
Jean McDonald Shipman brought sunshine, laughter, and an extraordinary amount of love into the world every single day of her 75 years. Born in Edina, Minnesota, on October 17, 1950, to Frank and Virginia McDonald, Jean lived a life defined by warmth, deep connections, and a wonderfully goofy sense of humor that could make anyone laugh.
Jean was, above all, the most giving person you could ever hope to meet. Whether she was sharing a delicious meal with family, planning a wonderful vacation, or spending quality time with the people she loved, Jean’s heart was always wide open. She had a lifelong passion for arts and crafts, and her home was never complete without a beloved cat or dog by her side—she simply adored animals. She also loved staying active and connected with friends, whether she was rolling strikes at the bowling alley or enjoying a round of golf.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Virginia McDonald; her first husband, Larry Shipman; and her sisters, Martha McDonald, Anne Brennan, and Cindy McDonald.
She leaves behind a family who adored her and will miss her every single day. She is survived by her loving husband, Rick Straub; her daughters, Jaime Eyre (husband Jon, and grandchildren Ava and Evan), Lora Brown (grandson Dillon Brown), and Kara Shipman (granddaughter Karly Loparco), her son Ryan Shipman; Rick’s children John and Julianne Straub and a wide circle of friends who were blessed to know her.
A celebration of Jean’s vibrant life will be held to honor the joy she brought to all of us. Please join us at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, on September 10th, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to either the Colorado Cancer Foundation or the Alzheimer's Association, honoring Jean's wishes.
