Tawnya Sue Jacobson

Bayfield resident Tawnya Sue (Guldenstein) Jacobson, age 54, passed peacefully on March 22, 2024 at home with her loving husband Millard.  The cause of death was ovarian cancer.  She was courageous to the very end.

Tawnya was born in Seoul, South Korea and was adopted by Diana and Paul Guldenstein who fell in love with her the moment they saw her.  Tawnya was later blessed with a sister and a brother and enjoyed growing up in Decatur, IL

Tawnya graduated from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville with a BSN in Nursing.  She was an accomplished nurse, with over 30-years’ experience in many areas of the field including intensive care unit (ICU) (specializing in pediatrics), transitional care unit (TCU), hospice, and she had her critical care certification in dialysis.  Her nursing career took her to many places including Las Vegas, NV, Española, NM, and to southwest Colorado.  She was incredibly intelligent and an educational and conference speaker.

Tawnya had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way.  She met many of her dear friends through work and lasting friendships were cherished by Tawnya.  She truly was a blessing to many.

Tawnya met her husband Millard in the summer of 2009 and they married on June 18, 2011.  They had many adventures traveling together including swimming with manta rays in Hawaii, visiting friends and family in their RV, and riding their motorcycles in Sturgis. She was the self-appointed family photographer and made sure that special events were documented.

Tawnya lived life to the fullest and had many hobbies.  She cherished her gardens, was an incredible cook, enjoyed watching K-dramas on TV, was an avid traveler and loved to scuba dive or snorkel. She even spent time at a monastery in India.  

She is survived by her husband Millard, her mother and father, sister Kristin, brother Ryan (Nicole) and beloved niece and nephews.  

A celebration of Tawnya’s life will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Jenkins Ranch Park, 435 Jenkins Ranch Road, Durango, CO at 10AM.