Jennifer Ruth McGowan OBITUARY
Jennifer Ruth McGowan died surrounded by her family on September 5, 2024, at Littleton hospital. We rejoice in knowing she is with the Lord and joyfully reunited with her mom and dad and loved ones that have gone before her. She was born March 29,1968 in Evanston, Illinois. She was the beloved daughter of Dorothy M. Miele (Bunny) and David L. McGowan.
Jennifer graduated from Rampart High School after attending Lewis-Palmer High School in Monument, Colorado. After high school she resided with her parents, Bunny and David. She participated in many volunteer activities including Lewis-Palmer art classes and therapy dog training with her friend Cynthia. Jennifer was active throughout her life and overcame many challenges as a person with cerebral palsy. She participated in the Winter Park handicapped ski program, attended classes at Colorado Mountain college, was an artist, loved music, gardening, cooking, crafts and camping.
Jennifer later moved to Centennial to live in the Ablelight community, an organization serving adults with disabilities. This fulfilled her life-long dream of living independently. She was a resident of Sherman house and High Street house for 9 years. Her housemates and the staff became like a second family to her. While there, she participated in a Day Program which was a place where she could work and thrive doing the activities she loved. She remained very close to her family during the years at Ablelight and always looked forward to the next family gathering.
Jennifer loved her family and was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt and friend to many. She had a beautiful smile and positive attitude. She was a true inspiration and will be deeply missed. She was predeceased by her parents, Bunny Miele and David McGowan as well as her stepfather Al Miele and biological father, Barton Brookman (Dick). Surviving her are her siblings and their spouses, Sue Zoellner (Jack), Beth Royal (Michael), Amy Brawand (Chris), Bart Brookman (Carol), and their children and spouses, Jessica Royal Ramirez (Dan), Emily Schilperoort (Alex), Caitlin Rivet (Mark), Natalie Porter (Keith), David Brookman (Jessica), Kate Grogan (Ben), Jonathan Royal (Emily), Nick Zoellner (Mandy), and Grace Straatmann. In addition, Jennifer had 21 grand nieces and nephews who were a delight to her.
Jennifer's celebration of life will be held at 11:00 on September 28th at the Monument Community Presbyterian Church, 238 Third Street. A reception will be held following the service at Hearth House, 192 Front Street. Those who wish to remember Jennifer in a special way may make gifts in her memory to Ablelight, Littleton, Colorado at the following address: Ablelight: Attn: Ashley Brush, In memory of Jennifer McGowan, 5941 Middlefield Rd., Suite 100, Littleton, Colorado 80123
