December 12, 1983-September 25, 2023
Our beloved Jackie passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, September 25th, 2023. She leaves behind two children Noah (12), Chloe Rose (1), and partner, Robert A. Vargas. She is survived by her mother, Leticia; brother, Michael Downing II; and aunt, Maria Elena Ontiveros (Benjamin). She was surrounded in life by many cousins who considered her a sibling.
She was preceded in death by her father, Michael Downing; grandfather, Jose Delgado; grandmother, Socorro Delgado.
Jackie was a former zookeeper at the El Paso Zoo, where she enjoyed her love of wildlife and animal conservation. In particular, the prairie dogs and parrots had a special place in her heart! More recently, she started her artistic business, “Jacquelyn Brittney Art,” where she worked on commissioned murals, woodburning, candle works, charcoal sketches, and much more. Jackie loved the outdoors, nature, wildlife, and gardening, all which are reflected in her beautiful art. Her tender, light-hearted nature made her easy to love and get along with. It’s not an understatement to say that she had hundreds of people who called her a “friend.” She never took life too seriously and was a positive and light soul.
She graduated from El Paso High School and earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences and Zoology from UTEP. Her death has left a hole in our hearts and an emptiness in our lives; we will miss her care, kindness, and love towards family and friends.
