Jennie Meldendrez Balderrama

With sadness in our hearts for our loss but thanksgiving for her presence and influence in our lives, Jennie Balderrama's family announces her passing into the hands of our Lord. She has been released from her suffering and now rests joyfully in eternal peace. She has transitioned from being our pillar on earth to an angel in the kingdom of heaven. Born Jesusita in Fort Collins to Dominga Molina Melendrez and Jesus Melendrez on August 14, 1914 she transitioned into eternity on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 with her family at her side. She married Guadalupe Manuel Balderrama on November 18, 1934 and remained a Fort Collins native. Jennie was an accomplished, loving daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Known for her delicious beans and tortillas, she was a dedicated homemaker. She loved being outdoors tending her garden of flowers. She was first employed in the beet fields of Fort Collins after convincing her father that she could out-perform her brothers and she did. She continued her fieldwork with CSU Beet Research Foundation both in the fields and research labs. Although hard to believe, she loved the field work. She later became self-employed cleaning in private homes. She loved the domestic chores of sewing and canning foods. She would spend hours sewing and designing clothes for Barbie dolls. This became a lucrative endeavor. She was a strong influence in the lives of her daughters. She was a loving grandmother fulfilling her grandchildren's childhood joys and whims. She also provided many hours of care giving to her family and friends. Continuing the re-linking of our broken chain; she was preceded in death by mother, Dominga Molina Melendrez; father, Jesus Melendrez; husband, Guadalupe Manuel Balderrama; daughter, Helen Balderrama Villarreal; brothers, Librado and Sam Melendrez; sisters, Julia Ribera and Nellie Melendrez. She is survived by her daughters, Mary and Gloria Balderrama of Fort Collins; grand-daughters, Alma Villarreal Fort Collins, Jessica VillarrealRyan Nally Windsor; great grand-daughters, AltaElena Villarreal, Tessa Nally, Ryann, Rorey Nally and son-in-law, Jose Villarreal Windsor. She is survived by brother, Valentine Melendrez;and sister, Florence Garza both of Fort Collins; and numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren. The family would like to acknowledge the exceptional work done by the staff at Lemay Avenue Health and Rehabilitation Center. Most appreciated was the support from the Hospice Staff. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Fort Collins or Pathways Hospice of Fort Collins in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524. Family and friends will gather at Holy Family Catholic Church, 326 North Whitcomb, Fort Collins, CO for a rosary recital on Tuesday, March 5 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. and burial of cremains at Resthaven Memory Gardens, 8426 Highway 287, Fort Collins, CO. Please join the family immediately following the burial for a Celebration of her Life at Holy Family Catholic Church Hall Basement.

Tributes

Jennie Meldendrez Balderrama

August 11, 1914 - February 26, 2013