ABOUT
Jacquelyn (Dahneke) Penrose was born in March 1989 to Michelle and Marshall Dahneke. From a young age, Jacq has had the most beautiful smile that lights up your soul. She is the oldest of six children and loves her family dearly.
A pioneering spirit exhibits courage and a willingness to endure hardship … in order to pave the way for others! Jacquelyn brought a courageous, pioneering spirit to her family, first converting her Mom and Dad into parents in a never-to-be-forgotten moment. And if “schooling them” wasn’t burden enough, she also took on the responsibility to name and train both sets of first-time grandparents!
Jacquelyn was the family’s first runner, joining her cross-country and track teams in Middle School. In high school, she pursued singing, dancing, acting, and running with a passion. As a diligent student, she was consistently on the Honor Roll and was inducted into the National Honor Society. After graduating valedictorian of her high school class and earning an academic scholarship to BYU, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development at Brigham Young University. While there, she met and married her husband. A few short years later, they joyously welcomed their sweet daughter to their family, who was, is, and forever will be the love of Jacquelyn’s life … and her genuine “mini-me”!
Just two years later, Jacquelyn was diagnosed with breast cancer. Jacq’s faith, tenacity, inner strength, and most importantly, love for her daughter shined for all to be inspired. In her father’s words, “Jacquelyn was fully committed to being the best mother possible, regardless of obstacles in life. During her cancer journey, her daughter was Jacq’s primary focus and I personally believe that she helped to extend Jacq’s life by elevating her passion to live. That love for her daughter can only be stronger now that Jacquelyn has transcended into becoming her Mother-ing Angel.”
On her final Sunday evening, hours before Jacquelyn completed her mortal race, her family gathered in her room to share favorite scriptures and listen to music. At that point, Jacquelyn was unable to communicate … but they hoped she was able to participate through spiritual faculties. One song played was by Chris Rice with the progressive chorus … ”Come to Jesus, Sing to Jesus, Fall on Jesus, Dance for Jesus,” etc. It provided a reminder of a time Jacquelyn shared her talent for dancing and performing … with a large group of orphans in Zambia. On Christmas Day, the entire family assisted in hosting about 200 street orphans for dinner and some simple gifts at a downtown hotel. The entertainment was Father Christmas handing out a candy bar, and a new article of clothing to each youth … and Father Christmas was accompanied by a rambunctious, eight-legged reindeer … powered by four Dahneke children with Jacquelyn at the caboose, gyrating energetically and helping to entertain these forgotten children. It offered a new meaning to the phrase: “Dance for Jesus.” For “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” (Mosiah 2:17)
Anyone who knows Jacquelyn is touched by her kindness, humor, and sweet temperament. She is a source of positivity, light, and warmth, and her family will remember her each time they feel the sun’s rays shining upon them. After almost 33 years of radiant life, Jacquelyn departed this world early due to breast cancer, surrounded by her loving family, in February 2022.
Yet her light and legacy live on …