Jane Ellen Cilo

Jane “Janie” Ellen Cilo, great-granddaughter of Colonel James F. Macleod of the North West Mounted Police, died peacefully Sunday, January 28, 2024 surrounded by her books, her photographs and her dogs. Born in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada in 1952, she spent most of her time growing up on the family farm in Red Deer, but the family homestead on Sabre Ranch in Pine Lake, Alberta also held a special place in her heart.  She was the youngest of her 13 cousins – all descendants of the Ellen Isabella and Henry Frank Lawrence family.  Janie moved to the United States as a young adult to focus full time on her equestrian training.  

Janie was a skilled neurotrauma nurse, who channeled her compassion and convictions into patient advocacy and care.  She worked for many years at Craig Rehabilitation Hospital and Swedish Hospital in the Neurotrauma Unit.  She then went on to get her master’s degree in health informatics before retiring.  

Her passions were horse jumping, dogs, reading, gardening, helping others and traveling. One of her last grand adventures was a trip to South Africa in 2018 to connect with the South African branch of her family.  In most things, she had a great depth of knowledge and a strong desire to improve the quality of life for those around her. However, her greatest gift was her special brand of friendship that she shared with so many. 

Janie had no tolerance for nonsense and spoke up whenever she witnessed it, much to the chagrin of those with her. In her last few years, she loved nothing more than raising a ruckus with unsuspecting customer service representatives anytime she found an “injustice.” She was vivacious, engaging and charming, as well as driven, focused and incredibly stubborn.   

Despite numerous medical challenges, Janie lived a full life and wished the same for her daughter Kelsey Haddock (Jason) of Centennial, Colorado, and her son Hi Lewis (Jessica) of Nashville, Tennessee. She took great delight spoiling her grandchildren, Sadie and Ashton of Centennial, Colorado, and Hiram, Madelyn, Chandler and Corbin of Nashville, Tennessee.   In 2009, she was predeceased by her husband Mark, the love of her life, her son Patrick Nigel in 1979 and her brother Toby in 2023.  Janie leaves behind her immediate and extended family and cherished friends. 

Gatherings will be held in Denver, Colorado and Pine Lake, Alberta, Canada at a later date. For details, please email kelsey_haddock@comcast.net.

If friends or family so desire, a donation in Janie’s name can be made to the Denver MaxFund Animal Shelter, or Hearts and Horses Therapeutic Riding Center in Loveland, Colorado.