Jacqueline May Ortiz

jacqueline ortiz

Jacqueline May Ortiz, 60, passed away July 18th, 2017, in Aurora, Colorado. Jacqueline was born May 27th, 1957 in San Diego, California to parents Pedro L. Ortiz and Alyce L. Ortiz. Though she was born in California, Jacqueline grew up in Denver, Colorado with her six other siblings. Jacqueline graduated from Lakewood Senior High School in 1975. After high school, she moved to Chico, California where she attended Chico State College. Jacqueline remined in California for many years before finally returning to Colorado. In 1994, Jacqueline gave birth to her daughter Adelena, "Lena", who was the light of her world. From that moment forward, Jacqueline devoted herself to being a dedicated, loving mother and exemplar of strength and perseverance for her daughter.
Jacqueline simultaneously raised Adelena as a single mother, while also pursuing her post-secondary education, all while battling many serious illnesses. Jacqueline eventually earned a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services from Metropolitan State University. Being the life-long learner that she was, Jacqueline continued her educational pursuits, earning not just one, but two Master's Degrees in Business Management and Organizational Leadership. At the time of her death, she was pursing her Doctoral Degree in Post-Secondary and Higher Education, and was beginning the dissertation stage to graduate.
In addition to Jacqueline's impressive educational achievements, she was also an exceptional Addictions Counselor. Jacqueline was a Certified Addictions Counselor, levels I, II, and III, as well as a certified Child and Family Investigator. Through her work, Jacqueline wanted to make a difference in the lives of people who others had given up on and had no one else to fight for them.
Jacqueline selfless nature shone brightest through the immeasurable amount of volunteer work she did for many different organizations. Jacqueline volunteered for many organizations involving veterans, serving as the president of the Ladies Auxiliary for the VFW post 501, a member and volunteer for the American Legion, and volunteer for the Tuskegee Airmen. In addition, she volunteered for the many youth leadership organizations including Take Flight Aviation youth leadership and the Bessie Coleman Foundation. Most recently, Jacqueline volunteered for Reading Partners, as a reading and literacy tutor for struggling elementary school students.
Jacqueline truly lead a life of selfless dedication to others, generosity, integrity, and most of all, love for her family and friends. She will be deeply missed by so many, but her legacy will live on through her acts of kindness and lives she touched.
Jacqueline is survived by her daughter Adelena "Lena" (Bashir), sisters Sharon (Charles) and Deborah (Deb), brother Max (Kris), and little dog Chica. Jacqueline is proceeded in death by her parents Pedro L. Ortiz and Alyce L Ortiz, brothers Michael, Pete "Pepper", and Denis, as well as long-time love Lionel Lovato.

Services for Jacqueline are as follows:
Thursday, Aug 3rd : 5pm Recitation of the Rosary at St Catherine of Siena Church (4200 Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80211) with Viewing to follow until 6:30pm
Friday, Aug 4th: 10am Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at St. Catherine Siena Church (4200 Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80211)
1pm Reception to follow the funeral mass at the VFW post 501 (4747 W Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80204

Flowers can be sent to St. Catherine of Siena Church and should be scheduled for delivery on Thurs, Aug 3rd, before 4pm.

**It has been requested that, if you choose, please leave a message below of your fondest memory, story, or personal attributes of Jacquelineb for Lena and her family, to cherish as time goes on. Thank you.

Service
Thursday, August 3, 2017
5:00 PM 8/3/2017 5:00:00 PM - 6:30 PM 8/3/2017 6:30:00 PM
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

4200 Federal Blvd.
Denver, CO 80211

Recitation of the Rosary

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church
4200 Federal Blvd. Denver 80211 CO
United States
Service
Friday, August 4, 2017
10:00 AM 8/4/2017 10:00:00 AM - 11:30 AM 8/4/2017 11:30:00 AM
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

4200 Federal Blvd.
Denver, CO 80211

Mass of Christian Burial. After the Mass, a reception will follow at the VFW Post # 501, 4747 W. Colfax Ave.

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church
4200 Federal Blvd. Denver 80211 CO
United States

View current weather.

Memories Timeline


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle