Zeone “Zee” (Jensen) DeMarrais, age 77, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She had been a resident of Colorado Springs for 51 years. She was a Registered Nurse for 49 years, having worked in Iowa, Memorial Hospital, UCHealth, and a private doctors’ group in Colorado Springs.
Born on June 1, 1947, to Meinert H.M. and Irene E. (Boyens) Jensen in Denison, Iowa, Zee grew up in Ricketts, Iowa. After graduating from Schleswig High School in Schleswig, Iowa, Zee attended The Lutheran School of Nursing in Sioux City, Iowa. Zee was married to Stephen G. DeMarrais on July 30, 1967, in Ricketts, Iowa. After living in IA, TX, and CA, they settled down in Colorado Springs. Later, Zee went back and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from College of St. Francis as well as her Master of Business Administration from University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She also became a member of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses and the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates.
Zee was an avid and talented quilter and provided dozens of quilts for family reunion auctions over the years. She and Steve enjoyed taking road trips to Corvette and Harley rallies throughout the country. She treasured her family over everything else. She is survived by her husband, Stephen; children, Christine (Christopher) Fisher and Jason DeMarrais; grandchildren: Ashley, Courtney, Jessica (Cameron), Briar (Katie), Rachel, Kassidy, Haley and Zachary; great-grandchild, George, and sister, Michele (Robert) Phillips. She was preceded in death by her parents, Meinert and Irene (Boyens) Jensen.
Visitation will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance in Colorado Springs on Friday, October 11 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM and a Celebration of Life will be held October 26, 2024 at 2:00PM also at Shrine of Remembrance.
Marilyn Goodloe
11 Oct 2024Christine, Chris, and family – We are so sad to hear about your mom. Zee was so very special and will truly be missed.
Marilyn and John Goodloe
Andy (Butch) Farrell
11 Oct 2024What can you say…Zee was absolutely one of a kind. I was very fortunate to have known her over the years and will miss our friendship. I am lucky to have many memories with her and immediate family. I’ll certainly miss her cooking and all the fun gatherings at the house. I believe they serve wine in heaven! Rest in peace Zee.
Gary Haines
11 Oct 2024Steve, Christine, Chris, Jason, and family. Susanne and I are still deeply saddened for your loss. We’ll always remember and miss her.
David Thornsby
12 Oct 2024Steve, Jason, Christine and to the rest of the family, my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. The DeMarrias were always so supportive when I was working with Jason in elementary and junior high. It was always an honor and pleasure to see the support from Steve and Zee. Zee will truly be missed but also loved and remembered.
Linda Kennedy
12 Oct 2024Steve and family, so sorry for your loss. Zee was one of the nicest people I’ve known over the years and though it’s been a while I’ll always remember her welcoming friendliness, love of family and her delicious apple pie drink we all shared while in Sturgis. God bless all and cheers to you Zee.
Gary Yates
12 Oct 2024Condolences to your family. I have so many great memories of Zee! She will be missed!
Jinny Cavin
16 Oct 2024So sad to hear about Zee…..she was such a dear friend at WW for the past several years. So glad she got to go on that last fall family trip to Steamboat. She was so looking forward to the get together. She will be sorely missed.
Audrey Martinez
16 Oct 2024May you rest in peace. I worked with her at Memorial hospital. Condolences to the family.
Betsy
22 Oct 2024Steve, Christine, Jason and families,
I have known and worked with Zee for many years at Memorial Hospital.
I appreciate her love for nursing, care of patients and no nonsense straight forward attitude.
Since we have been retired afew of us have enjoyed lunches together and continued our friendship. We will miss you, Zee.