Jeanne Damery (Jeanin Cook) was 53 when she went to be with our Lord and Savior on Mother’s day, Sunday, May 12, 2013.  She resided in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  She loved the Lord Jesus and was baptized by Pastor Eric of the Rocky Mountain Calvary church in 2008.

Jeanin was born in Ft. Benning, GA, on February 13, 1960 to William Thomas Cook, Jr. (deceased) and Marianne (Cook) Wilkins (surviving parent).  She leaves behind a wonderful and loving son, Allen Damery; and, her siblings: Diana, Roger, Cyndia, and James.  She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law Donnette and Shelly; brother-in-law Darrel; nieces Deanna and Kaylee; (plus Amber & Nicole); and, nephews: Travis, Josh, Christopher, Matthew, Christian and Justin.

Jeanin worked for CSC in Colorado Springs as a Program/Project Lead and volunteered for professional and charitable organizations including the Air Force Association (AFA), National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) and Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA).  Jeanin was honored more than a dozen times with national, state and chapter awards for her creative contributions to the associations. Her most prestigious awards included the AFA President's Award, the national-level AFA Exceptional Service Award and the AFCEA Meritorious Service Award.

Jeanin had juvenile diabetes since the age of 11.  She has had to struggle with this difficult disease more in the last 15 years. Dialysis treatment was a constant occurrence for the first few years and within this last year.  She was gifted with the beautiful opportunity to receive two kidney transplants – from her sister Cyndia (2000) which lasted 11 years, and another from her sister Diana (2011) which lasted 1.5 years.  Unfortunately, she had a heart attack in November 2012 which resulted in Quadruple Bypass surgery.  She was unable to fully recover after the heart surgery which left the second donated kidney damaged and not able to function, as well as subsequent numerous complications.  She was in the hospital for the last five months and on Dialysis support until the very end when it was no longer a viable option. 

Jeanin courageously, graciously and serenely accepted her fate. Doctors informed her that they were unable to provide further treatment due to her health complications. Through all of her struggles with this disease, she took everything in stride and endured every ounce of pain.  She was a real trooper – a fearless fighter to the very end.  She had strong faith and remained hopeful for a quality-of-life outcome until there was no longer one for her.

Jeanin was in a wonderful state of mind when we all last spoke to her Thursday, May 9, 2013.  On May 10, she went into a diabetic coma.  She had several visitors come and say their goodbye’s over the next few days.  Jeanin was never left alone during this process and was surrounded by her family every hour until her passing.  Her last moments were with her son and her mother Marianne. God called upon her on Mother’s Day when her mother let her know it was “alright to go” and sang “Amazing Grace” to her.  During that song, she opened her eyes briefly and took her last breath and went to be with God.

She is deeply loved and her memory will be cherished by her family and those whose lives she touched – forever. 

She highly encouraged organ donation.  Her beautiful eyes were donated to someone in need.  Through this donation, Jeanin is able to see a better day…and tomorrow!

Obituary information provided by Mountain View Mortuary.