Jennie Marie Franklin (Mattie/Matteo), 86, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the home of her niece, Judy “Bunny” Mattie-Brackel, surrounded by the love of her family.
She was born on January 18, 1940, in a small house west of Trinidad, Colorado, in the coal mining town of Segundo. Jennie entered the world at home, where her mother gave birth to her in the family house that stood near what is now Ringo’s Trading Post. That little house remained in the family for many years before the area eventually changed, but it was the place where her story began. Growing up west of Trinidad, she was proud of her roots and often reminded people that she was a coal miner’s daughter, something she carried with pride throughout her life and loved sharing with her family.
Jennie experienced great loss early in life when her mother passed away giving birth to her twin brothers. She was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Guiditta Gasperetti, of whom she was very proud. Through her grandmother’s care, Jennie embraced her Italian heritage, traditions, and family values, something she carried with pride throughout her life…