Brenda Mustain (Jankowski), daughter of Walter and Norma Jankowski, passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family and friends at the age of 59.
She was born in Ohio, but spent the majority of her life in the home built by her mother and father in the mountains between Black Hawk/Central City and Nederland. She grew with this area over the past six decades and was a staple in the tight knit communities of both towns.
She graduated from Nederland High School in 1980 then spent a chunk of time building her life and career in Washington and California before returning back home to raise her children.
She devoted her life to her family, most especially her children, whom she loved with all of her heart. As a single mom she battled endlessly for the good of her kids and always made sure they felt the strength of her love and support.
She did all of this while creating a career in the male dominated oil and gas industry rising in the ranks to become one of the tops in her field. Her perseverance, ability to absorb knowledge and confidence helped propel her (without the aid of a college degree) but it was her kindness, generosity and willingness to teach/learn that made her the leader and role model that she was and remains to this day.
She was a lover of art (especially
Monet), music and theatre and was not afraid to sing at the top of her lungs with her beautiful voice. She enjoyed traveling and seeking out history, enjoying little trips close to home in the small towns of
Colorado, across the U.S to learn more about her country, and abroad to experience different cultures.
But above all else she was a mountain girl and enjoyed nothing more than sitting in the sunshine on a clear blue Colorado day listening to trees, watching the wildlife and breathing in the crisp and clean mountain air. A woman who will forever be remembered as both strong and delicate like the flowers that bloomed in her garden that she loved so much.
She lives on through her children, Bekah and Alex, her brothers Brad and Brian, her son-in-law Aaron, and her grandchild due in May. She will forever be loved.
A celebration of life will be held in her honor on Saturday, June 11, 2022.
