Jane Donnelly

Jane was born on June 3, 1941 in Streator, Illinois, as there was no hospital in the small town of Dwight, Illinois, where she grew up, about 25 miles away. She was the only daughter of Florence Margaret (Christman) and Robert John Miller. Jane was raised on the farm near Dwight with her three older brothers. She was a tomboy and country girl who grew up to be an elegant woman. Farm life taught Jane the value of hard work and family, and instilled in her a lifelong love for animals.

Following her graduation from Dwight High School, Jane attended Illinois State University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. She went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Mathematics at Northwestern University. She shared her love of math as a High School teacher in Mundelein-Libertyville, Illinois until she was discovered by IBM. Recognizing her talent and skill, in 1966, IBM offered Jane a position as a Data Processing Systems Engineer. She accepted.

It was at IBM Evanston, IL office where Jane met the love of her life, Dennis Maurice Donnelly. Jane joked that she and Dennis “met by computer.” The couple wed in Jane’s hometown on June 8, 1968 at Saint Patrick Catholic Church. Led by their mutual love for the mountains, they relocated to Colorado in 1969 and Jane transferred to IBM Boulder. In 1973, Jane left IBM to pursue her greatest occupation: Motherhood. Jane and Dennis welcomed a son, Stephen, that August. Daughter, Kathleen joined her joyful parents and brother in January 1978.

The Donnelly family found their forever home on a mini farm in southern Fort Collins. There they raised sheep, chickens, and turkeys, and kept horses, dogs, and cats. Jane shared with her children the values of farm life and supported them through their 4-H and Pony Club adventures. She was a wonderful mother, both tender and strong. Jane always supported and encouraged her kids while teaching them responsibility and accountability.

Jane returned to the workforce and utilized her extensive mathematical knowledge as a tax preparer. When Kathleen was in middle school, she returned to her passion of teaching as a well-loved substitute for Thompson Valley Schools. She later became an instructor at Front Range Community College, where she taught math and computer science courses for about 10 years until she retired in 2003.

Following retirement, Jane and Dennis traveled the Rocky Mountain West. They regularly escaped Colorado winters to visit her brother in Arizona. She loved the trips they took to San Diego and Seattle to see their son’s family, and dote on their only grandchild, Ana. Together, Jane and Dennis, attended various social outings and spent time hiking in the mountains they loved. Jane was a frequent volunteer for VITA, assisting income limited families with tax preparation. She was very involved in, and good at, arranging, organizing, and managing Horse Shows. Jane is held in very high regard among the horse community.

Jane was kind, loving, and so special. She loved sports and cheered on her Colorado Avalanche, the Denver Broncos, Nuggets and Colorado Rockies. She also loved baking, canning and kept a beautiful garden. She enjoyed music and would sometimes pull out her clarinet and play. Jane encouraged Kathleen and Steve in their musical endeavors. Her hands were never idle and she kept her mind active as an avid reader of mystery novels. Jane had a beautiful and strong spirit. She will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Jane leaves behind her husband and best friend of more than 56 years, Dennis Donnelly; her son Steve Donnelly, his wife Monica, and their daughter, Ana of Carlsbad, California; and her daughter Kathleen Mayger and husband Jeff of Berthoud, Colorado. She is also survived by her brother, Maurice Miller and his wife June; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family. She had a special place in her heart for her Australian Shepherd, Brandy.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Florence and Robert Miller; her brother Francis Miller and his wife Mildred; and by her brother John Miller and his wife Mary.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Jane on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 10:30am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish in Fort Collins. A Reception will follow at the church. A Graveside Committal will occur and Jane will be laid to eternal rest at 1:30pm on the same day at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Fort Collins, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jane’s memory are encouraged to Hearts & Horses in Loveland, Colorado. Treasured memories of Jane and words of condolence for her family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.