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Hood Mortuary - Durango

1261 East 3rd Avenue

Durango, Colorado

Jessica Carpenter Obituary

Jessica Lynn Carpenter - loving wife, mother, sister, and friend - passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024, in Durango, CO at the Mercy Hospice House after a 5-year battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at Hood Mortuary in Durango, CO on January 20, 2024 at 2:00 pm.

Jessica was born on February 6, 1967, to Bentley Clark Pollard and Roberta June Everett in Durango, CO. Being the youngest of six siblings, she was the baby of the family, though her innate ability to deeply connect and bring people together made it clear to all that she was wise beyond her years.

Jessica attended Coronado High School in Lubbock, TX, graduating in 1985, before she made her way back to Durango, CO. It was here that she had some of the best times of her life, working downtown as a bartender. It was during one of these wild nights that she met the love of her life, Michael Lynne Carpenter, after being introduced by mutual friends.

Jessica and Michael went on to marry on January 1, 1994. They had two daughters, Hayden Elizabeth Carpenter, and Jensen Elise Carpenter, who Jess considered to be her greatest achievement. It was during their childhood that Jessica went back to school to get her Nursing Degree from San Juan College in Farmington, NM. The family of four spent just over 17 magical years in Farmington at the Juniper House, Jessica's favorite place.

Despite facing cancer not once, but twice, Jessica lived her life to the fullest. She loved going on walks, singing and dancing to her favorite music, enjoying a glass of wine on her deck, and above all, being with the people she loved. She was a bright light that attracted and impacted everyone she met. She never met a stranger and always gave people the benefit of the doubt. Jessica taught many how to soften their hearts in the face of hurt or anger.

Jessica was predeceased by her mother, Roberta, and father, Bentley. She is survived by her husband, Michael, her daughters, Hayden and Jensen, her brothers, Norval Pollard (Mary), Bentley Pollard (Leslie), and Chalmer Pollard (Sara), as well as her sisters, Becky Wigton (Kent) and Corine Pedersen (Billy). She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews; Bentley, Justin, Quinn, Harrison, Melissa, Everett, Mahlon, Chandler, Landon, Amber, and Jack.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Mercy Hospice House or the La Plata County Humane Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on Jan. 11, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Jessica Carpenter

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Anne & Rob Halick

January 14, 2025

Dear Mike and family - We are so very sad to learn of Jessica´s passing and we send our deepest condolences. We sent a donation to La Plata County Humane to honor Jessica. If you need anything at all, we are here (just a couple of houses down). The Halicks

Stacey May

March 29, 2024

I knew your mother a long long stone ago from high school. Jessica was always a kind person. I just saw this on Facebook I am so sorry for your loss. Stacey May

Jamie

February 1, 2024

God bless you and your family.. so very sorry for your loss.. Jessica was a beautiful person inside and out.. Lord be with you all and help you through your heartbreak..

Linda Bonds

January 30, 2024

My sincere and deepest condolences to Jessica´s family and her many friends.

Bonnie Cummings

January 20, 2024

I worked with Jessica at SJRMC. She was always a joy to be around. Always so happy. May God be with her family.

Angie McDaniel

January 20, 2024

We love Jessica! How grateful we are for the time she was at Mesa Verde. She was an incredible friend and example to all of us. She loved the students and took exceptional care of each one of them. May you all feel an abundance of peace during this time.

Ryan

January 19, 2024

Mike and family, we are very sorry for your loss. We all loved Jess. She was a very bright light in this world. I think I should include Jimmie on this one, because he loved you guys. Love, Ryan and Tessa.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

The Swope Family

Planted Trees

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

The Athey Family

Planted Trees

Judi Athey

January 15, 2024

My thoughts are with the family at this terrible loss. I was so happy we were able to connect and get to know each other.
Judi Athey

Donna Fairhurst

January 12, 2024

Oh Jess, my heart aches that you are gone. So thankful to hold on to so many memories of our kids playing together, our walks, playdates and our neighborhood parties. Heaven has definitely gained a wonderful, fun, loving Angel.

Nicole Primmer

January 12, 2024

Jessica was always a great person to work with. I will always remember how happy she was and how great she was to the kids. She had an amazing laugh and she shared that often. I felt true joy from her whenever we spoke. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Charlene Robertson

January 12, 2024

Mike, Hayden & Jensen...
My heart breaks. Jessica was a wonderful friend. I'm so glad she was in my life. She and I took many walks on the trails from her juniper home. We shared FFD events and many other times together. Our conversations were never ending. She had a special place in my heart and I prayed so hard and long that God would heal her. She was to young to leave this life. May the Lord give peace and comfort to her family and friends in the years ahead. Jessica you will be missed but not forgotten. Love you dear friend.

Jo Shirk

January 12, 2024

I am so sorry for your lose. Jessica was fun. Always has a smile for everyone. I worked with her at FMS, shared an office. She is with God and family.

Cindy Kennemer

January 12, 2024

My sincerest condolences to the entire family during this sad time. May your memories of Jessica always bring you peace and her beautiful smile warm your hearts.

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1261 E. 3rd. Ave, Durango, CO 81301

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1261 East 3rd Avenue, Durango, CO 81301

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