Jacqueline "Jackie" Anne Renza

It is with great sadness that the family of Jacqueline “Jackie” Anne Renza announces her passing. Jackie passed away peacefully in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, after her courageous battle with Alzheimer’s/Dementia. She was 79 years old.

Born on August 6, 1946, in Peekskill, New York, Jackie was the daughter of John Renza (1914–1963) and Lillian (Mongero) Renza (1915–1982). She also lived in New York, Connecticut, and Maryland, where she built a career and raised her family. Jackie was a Certified Bookkeeper and a Licensed Real Estate Broker, finding success and fulfillment in both professions.

A woman of great faith and generosity, Jackie devoted her time to her church and community. She taught CCD at St. Patrick’s Church in Yorktown, NY; Immaculate Conception Church in Lafayette, CO; and Immaculate Heart of Mary in Northglenn, CO. Through her missionary work, she founded Beads for Peace, creating handmade rosary beads for service members around the world. She also lovingly crafted prayer shawls for the terminally ill. Jackie was also a Eucharistic minister and often gave communion to the homebound.

Jackie will be remembered for her kindness, faith, and devotion to her family and friends. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren — babysitting, playing cards, and sharing laughter. She loved all things Italian and never passed up a sweet treat.

Jackie is survived by her children John Gmeiner (Gail), Paul Gmeiner, and Joy Kohnken (Ken); their father and Jackie’s previous husband, Donald Gmeiner; her grandchildren Stephanie (Gmeiner) Reilly (Steven), John Paul Gmeiner, Olivia Kohnken, Samantha Kohnken, and Jack Kohnken; and her great-grandchildren Chase and Grayson Reilly. She is also survived by her sister Terry Neidhardt; nephews Frank Neidhardt Jr. and Christopher Neidhardt and their families; and many dear friends who loved her deeply.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish in Northglenn, Colorado with a luncheon to follow. A rosary will be prayed before the Mass at 10:30.

A second Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, November 8, at 11:15 a.m. at Saint Patrick’s Church in Yorktown Heights, New York. Following the  Mass, Jacqueline will be interred in her family mausoleum at St. Francis Cemetery in Mount Kisco, where she will rest in eternal peace, surrounded by love and grace.

To honor Jackie’s battle with Alzheimer’s, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (alzfdn.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org).