Obituary for Jane Catherine Nieves

Jane Nieves passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025 just 18 days short of her 101st

birthday. They say people of her generation were tough. Jane was no exception.

Born in Casper, Wyoming on the day after Christmas in 1924, Jane and her parents moved to

Pueblo, Colorado just months later. The only child of two educators,

“Janie” was quiet and

introverted, but she did not fit the mold of a young woman growing up in the 30s and 40s. With

her bold, adventurous spirit, Jane was clearly ahead of her time. At Centennial High School

where her father was principal, she played the flute, performed in plays, and was captain of the

Women’s Rifle team. She took home the trophy for the Colorado State Women’s Rifle

Championship two years in a row, enjoyed camping and fly-fishing with her father, and for a time

hunted quail, but being an animal lover she eventually gave up that sport.

Jane earned her Bachelor Degrees from the University of Colorado, Boulder where she was a

member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and played in the CU Symphony. She graduated with a

double major in Biology and German, and a minor in Zoology, then soon after began working as

a Medical Technologist at a local hospital. During the war she joined the workforce at the county

airport as a “Rosie Riveter” doing small aircraft maintenance. It was at this time she realized a

new passion, taking flying lessons and learning to fly both Cessna 170s and Piper Cubs.

It wasn’t until later in life that she met her husband Jon, who was a United Methodist Minister in

Yuma, Colorado. They married, had daughter Jaime Lyn, then a few years later relocated to

Denver and welcomed Sara Jane. Electing to stay home to raise her girls, Jane became active

in the church, joining PEO, a philanthropic organization who works for the advancement of

women. An accomplished pianist and organist, Jane also participated in the church choir and

bell choir, something she did into her 90s.

Jane went back to work after her daughters were off to college, starting as a temporary

employee at American Express Travel Agency, and eventually working for 9 years before retiring

at the age of 76. A highlight for Jane was being named Regional Employee of the Year and

attending an awards banquet in Paris.

Jane cared for her husband Jon through Alzheimer’s, refusing to be separated from him and

moving together to an assisted living facility. After his death, she moved to a residential board

and care in Villa Park, California near Sara and husband Mike. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s a

few years earlier and then breast cancer at the age of 92, Jane refused to let either take her

down. During the pandemic she became bedridden, but continued reading, doing crossword

puzzles, and watching her beloved Denver Broncos to keep her mind sharp. Her oldest

daughter Jaime moved to California during that time, so Jane enjoyed her last 5 years with her

girls, granddog, and grandcats close by. In 2024 they had a big celebration for her 100th

birthday, receiving over 100 cards and a special recognition certificate from the Villa Park Mayor

and City Council.Jane was determined to keep living, but her body decided otherwise. She passed peacefully in

her sleep, her mind and sense of humor still intact to the end. Her daughters Jaime and Sara,

and her son-in-law Mike miss her greatly, but are beyond grateful for a life well-lived.

*Donations in Jane’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, or any local animal

shelter, rescue, or Humane Society.