Jacquelyn “Jackie” Sharon Rado, age 77, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Jackie was born on March 13, 1948, in Macon, Georgia to Ralph and Louise Brown. She was the second of four children and grew up alongside her brother and two sisters. At the age of 12, her family moved to Forest Park, a suburb of Atlanta. It was there that she met her lifelong friend, Joann, a friendship that endured faithfully until Jackie’s passing.

In 1966, Jackie married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Dodd. Though their marriage later ended in divorce, they remained friends over the years.

In 1978, Jackie moved to Durango, where fate stepped in the following year. In August 1979, she met her future husband, Paul, at Francisco’s Restaurante Y Cantina. Jackie was seated at a large round table with friends when Paul asked if he could join them. Without hesitation, Jackie raised her hand and cheerfully declared, “He can sit by me!”—prompting everyone to shift one seat over so he could sit beside her. They danced and talked the entire evening. Though Jackie left shortly after for Denver, Paul waited two weeks, returned to the restaurant, and there she was. Their love story continued from there. After four years together, Jackie and Paul were married on May 14, 1983, in beautiful South Lake Tahoe. They shared 42 wonderful years of marriage until her passing.

Jackie built a dedicated career in construction accounting and bookkeeping. She worked as an onsite construction secretary and bookkeeper in Atlanta and later in Denver. After settling in Durango, she worked in the accounting department at Tamarron Resort for nine years and then spent 21 years in the accounting department at Kroeger’s Ace Hardware, retiring in 2016. Throughout her career, Jackie was known for her strong work ethic, organization, and reliability.

Jackie had a vibrant spirit and a warm, welcoming presence. She wore a big, beautiful smile and spoke with a sweet Southern accent that charmed everyone she met. She loved hiking, bowling, going to the movies, and dancing with Paul. She especially loved animals—over the years she and Paul shared their home with many beloved cocker spaniels and cats. Shelby, their cherished cocker spaniel, misses his mom very much.

Jackie never met a stranger. She was a natural storyteller who talked with her hands and could brighten any room. Kind, honest, fun-loving, and deeply devoted to those she loved, she made friends easily and treasured every relationship.

She loved to travel and explore new places, which is why she and Paul drove all the way to Lake Tahoe to be married—a long journey, but one that reflected her adventurous heart.

Jackie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in the spring of 2022. She faced her illness with grace and strength.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents; numerous aunts, uncles, and dear friends.

Jackie is survived by her loving husband, Paul Rado; her older sister, Marcia Jordan (Art); her younger brother, Ken Brown (Bonnie); her younger sister, Karen Graham (Brian); and her lifelong friend, Joann McJenkin. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and especially by Paul and her beloved Shelby.

Per Jackie’s request, no services will be held.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Common Spirit Home Hospice and their compassionate staff and nurses, as well as Comfort Keepers for their devoted care and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following organizations or to a charity of your choice: Durango Dementia Coalition, the Alzheimer’s Association, Annie’s Orphans, or La Plata County Humane Society.

Goodbye, Jackie. You are forever loved and will always be missed. Until we meet again.