It is with heavy hearts that the entire Compassion & Choices family mourns the loss of our dear friend and advocate Jaren Ducker. Jaren served as a Compassion & Choices Board member from 2012- 2018 and as its treasurer from 2013-2018. With a lifetime of community service, Jaren brought a surplus of experience, poise and deep empathy to Compassion & Choices’ leadership. Her years of experience guiding organizations like the ACLU, Planned Parenthood and The Denver Library Commission made her an asset in all decision making and planning for the future.

Jaren’s commitment to those at the end of life has left a lasting legacy on this movement. In 2016, with great courage, Jaren became a petitioner for the ballot measure that would authorize medical aid in dying in Colorado and Secretary of the Yes on Colorado End of Life Option Act committee. Over the months that followed, Jaren worked tirelessly to support the campaign’s efforts,  governing the committee, collecting signatures, and speaking with groups about why she felt this option was so crucial. Her courage and resolve contributed to passage of the Colorado End of Life Option Act, a law that provides peace of mind to Coloradans with a terminal prognosis and helps prevent needless suffering. Today Coloradans enjoy the end-of-life liberty that was a high priority for Jaren.  

The magnitude of Jaren’s experience, intelligence and courage was rivaled only by that of her kindness. She brought a warmth to each of these endeavors that drew those around her close. She was encouraging and empathetic. She had the insight to answer complex big-picture questions, but never lost sight of the individual stories connected to the movement. As a board member she found ways to connect with staff and colleagues, again with her signature warmth.

Compassion & Choices will forever be grateful to Jaren Ducker. Today we grieve with her husband Bruce and her family, and we commit to continuing the work that she cared about so deeply.

If you would like to make a gift in Jaren’s memory, please click here.

Memorial information:

Place:  Newman Center of Performing Arts
            2344 E Iliff Avenue
            Denver, CO 80210
 
Date:   January 3, 2019
 
Time:   10:00am