Jeannine V. Gillen

Jeannine V. Gillen, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 2, 1931, in Sheridan, Wyoming, she lived a life full of purpose, passion, and a deep commitment to her family and community.

Jeannine was a remarkable woman whose legacy will be felt for generations. She was an extremely active member of the Seed and Weed Garden Club and subsequently the Prairie Garden Club, where her enthusiasm for gardening blossomed. A proud lifetime member of the Wyoming Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc., the Rocky Mountain Region Garden Clubs, and the National Garden Club, Jeannine dedicated countless hours to sharing her wealth of gardening knowledge with others. She traveled extensively with her fellow garden enthusiasts, cultivating friendships and spreading her love for nature wherever she went. Her career in gardening, highlighted by her accomplishment of becoming the national president of the Garden Club, stands as a testament to her dedication and passion.

Her devotion to her community extended far beyond gardening. Jeannine volunteered at St. Mary's Cathedral, preparing food for parish funerals—a labor of love that she approached with great compassion. She was also a volunteer at Depaul and Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, where she aided nurses in same-day surgery. Throughout every endeavor, Jeannine exemplified hard work and a caregiver’s heart, often tending to family members during illness with unwavering dedication.

Jeannine was equally passionate about her family, taking immense pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She leaves behind a loving family that includes her daughter, Gail Tavelli; her son, John Gillen; daughters-in-law, Nancy Gillen and Shandee Gillen; and her daughters, Margy Toro and Coleen Weinland, along with their husbands, Duane Toro and Bob Weinland. She cherished her grandchildren, 19 in total, and was blessed with 26 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Each moment spent with them held a special place in her heart, with her last cherished memory being a Thanksgiving full of games, stories, and shared laughter among family.

Jeannine's gentle spirit and culinary skills, especially her famous cinnamon rolls, endeared her to the children in the Laramie Rodeo Club, where she was actively involved for many years. The essence of Jeannine’s personality shone through in every relationship she nurtured. Known for her knowledge on a wide array of subjects, her strong faith as a devoted Catholic, and her unwavering support for her husband, Alfred Gillen, who precedes her in death, Jeannine's presence brought warmth and light to all who knew her.

A proud member of Cheyenne High School, Jeannine didn’t just stop at her initial education; she earned her GED later in life, proving her resilience and willingness to learn. She was a caretaker, mentor, and friend; her hard work and tireless dedication to everything she loved were evident in every aspect of her life.

Jeannine V. Gillen leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories and talents that will be treasured by her surviving family. Her life was a beautiful garden of love, laughter, and kindness—the roots of which will continue to thrive in the hearts of those she touched. As we say goodbye to this exceptional woman, we celebrate her incredible journey and the profound impact she made on the lives of so many.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating, in Jeannine's name, to St. Joseph's Children's Home or the Cathedral of St. Mary.