December 20, 1950 – October 18, 2026
Jean Marie Hollowell, 75, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, after a courageous battle against pulmonary fibrosis. Born Jean Marie Duell on December 20, 1950, in Troy, New York, she was the daughter of Raymond J. “Jake” Duell and Helen Mary Duell McCambridge. Her stepfather was Dr. Robert McCambridge. She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings: Raymond, Martin, Ronald, Judy, and David.
Jean had a lifelong love of nature and adventure. She would share that spirit with her loved ones through her infectious and vivid storytelling. It’s no surprise that her spirit led her to Vail, Colorado, in the 1970s, where she worked at the Mountain House and fell in love with the mountains. It was there that she met Gary Hollowell, an Oklahoman living in South Texas who happened to be visiting a friend. A chance meeting became a lifelong partnership filled with adventure, laughter, and devotion to one another. They married on October 10, 1980, and celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary just eight days before her passing.
They welcomed their son, Gregory Lee “Greg,” in 1985; and daughter, Kathryn Christine “Kate,” in 1992. Jean was a loving and selfless mother whose greatest wish was for her family to be close and her children to be happy.
Jean loved traveling, and spending time outdoors. She loved the Colorado mountains. Family road trips across the country, and particularly to Colorado, would lead to treasured memories and topics of some of her best stories. Eventually, Jean and Gary would build their dream home in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, where they spent 12 wonderful years surrounded by the beauty she cherished. She found joy in the changing aspen leaves, mountain sunsets, and the wildlife that wandered past their home.
Jean was a lifelong learner and an enthusiastic collector of rocks. During her travels, you would find her suitcase full of the rocks she would pick up along the way.
Jean will be remembered for her quick wit, warmth, curiosity, and her sense of humor. She had an amazing ability to draw people in with the unmistakable light in her eyes and to make people smile through her stories. She loved listening as much as telling and had a gift for finding humor in life’s ordinary moments.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Gary; her son, Greg, daughter-in-law Mary, and grandson, Grayson; her daughter, Kate, and daughter- in-law Meek; her many nieces and nephews; and her beloved canine grandchildren. Jean was deeply loved and will be missed dearly.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to take a walk in Jean’s honor. Notice the birds and wildlife, admire the trees, breathe in the air, and watch the sky; and if you notice an interesting rock along the way, pick it up in her honor.
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Ouray County Plaindealer • 2026
