She was born January 10th, 1942 to Louise DeMeyer and Robert McShane in Waukegan, Illinois. Jackie has four siblings, Mike McShane (deceased), Susie McShane of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Pat McShane of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Steve McShane of New Haven, Indiana.
The McShane family lived in Waukegan for several years before moving to Hazelcrest, Illinois. Jackie graduated from high school in 1959 and then attended Holy Cross Nursing school in South Bend, Indiana. In 1963, Jackie moved out west to pursue her nursing career and worked at Colorado General Hospital as a registered nurse. Jackie met Roger later that summer. Their romance was quite a whirlwind as they first laid eyes on each other in Central City. Shortly thereafter, they met again at the Rathskeller nightclub in Denver. That is where Jackie noticed the red corvette that Roger drove around and really got her attention. And the rest is history.
They were married in Joliet, Illinois on April 24th,1965. Their marriage ran strong for almost 60 years.
After being married for a year, Jackie and Roger welcomed their first son, Tom. The next year, their second son, John, arrived in 1967. Lastly, a daughter, Kathy, was born in 1971. Back then, communication was limited, and Roger came home from a fishing trip to find a note on the door to go to the hospital as Kathy had arrived seven weeks early.
Jackie always had creative talents with sewing, quilting and painting. In 1978, she pursued her dreams of creativity and opened the Patchworks in downtown Longmont. The Patchworks bustled with an array of fabrics and many class offerings. This is where Jackie met many of her life-long girlfriends. Jackie also worked at Longmont High School as the athletic secretary and school nurse. Fortunately, Jackie’s final career was at the famous Willow River Cheese Shop where she could continue to offer entertainment ideas and help many long-term and loyal customers. She often made personal purchases that typically would offset any earnings coming in.
In 1996, Roger and Jackie had the amazing opportunity to live abroad in Malaysia for two years. Jackie was involved with Malaysian Workers of American College Association where she helped Malaysian students enroll in American universities. Not only was Jackie active with work, she also enjoyed the Longmont Symphony and supported them with an office downtown at the Patchworks. Roger and Jackie were very involved with the community of Longmont and would run into someone they knew anywhere they went. Jackie was the First Lady of Longmont from 2007-2009. Well into her 60s, Jackie enrolled at Front Range Community College and obtained an Associate of Arts degree in 2012. And in typical Jackie style, she graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Last but not least, Jackie was known for being an amazing Nana. Jackie and Roger are blessed with six grandchildren. Sully (22), Ollie (19) of Tom and Erin Lange, Longmont, Colorado. Madison (18) and Savannah (17) of John and Jen Lange, Garner, North Carolina. And Alex (20) and Austin (17) of Kathy and Greg Shepherd, Centennial, Colorado. They all adored their Nana.
There will be a mass at St. John’s Catholic Church (323 Collyer Street, Longmont, CO 80501) at 10am on Friday, October 25th, 2024. This will be followed by a light reception at the church. A private burial at Ryssby Church will be held afterwards for family. Lastly, there will be a Celebration of Life at 4pm at Shupe Homestead (11931 N. 61st Street, Longmont CO 80503). Please join us to honor and raise a glass of champagne to Jackie…a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mom, nana and best friend to so many.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests to please consider donating to Longmont Community Foundation on Jackie’s behalf. Please visit www.howemortuary.com to leave your favorite memories and heartfelt condolences for Jackie's family and friends to see.
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