Jeannette passed away peacefully on Friday evening November 1, 2024.
Jeannette was born In Sisseton, South Dakota, a beautiful daughter, to Benny and Minnie McLaird. She was joined by her brother James, 13 years later.
The family moved to Vancouver, Washington where Jeannette graduated high school and went on to marry Larry Wilder, from Montesano, Washington, who was serving in the US Navy. The couple was stationed in Oak Harbor, Washington. They had three children.
Jeannette married Donald S. Mackay in 1977 and they truly enjoyed their life together, creating a wonderful family first atmosphere filled with laughter and love. They also capitalized on their retirement years together and frequently traveled. Jeannette became a widow in 2003.
Jeannette remarried in 2010 to Robert Lee Davis.
Jeannette is survived by her children Troy (Linda) Wilder, Teri Vogt and Tami (Mark Bjorkman). As a single mother raising her children, she endured and she persevered. She was our matriarch, and we appreciate all she did to ensure our well being.
Also survived by her brother, James McLaird (Christy Bryant and Davon McLaird). Grandchildren Chris (Sam) Zimmerman, Carrie (Jared) Jungwirth, Adam Wilder, Troy Benjamin Wilder, Joshua (Karen) Vogt, Brenna (Jorge) Uzcategui, Emma (Eli) Abbott, Terra (Michael) Maxwell. Great Grandchildren Allayna, Timothy, Dustyn, Gene, Aubrey, Lexie, Lily, Andrew, Abigail, Emilia, Olivia, Talon, Grady, Lucas, Lucille and Douglas. Along with a lifelong accumulation of extended family.
Jeannette worked at the Navy Exchange in the 1960’s. She and a small team started the Alaska USA Credit Union (now Global CU) on Ault Field Naval base. She retired early in life to focus on family and friends while squeezing in quite a bit of shopping.
Jeannette was loved deeply and will be missed beyond measure. We will always remember her giggly laugh. She lived on Whidbey Island from the age of 21 until her death at 85. She lived a full life on this enchanting island we call home.
Jeannette’s funeral services will be held at Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville Washington on November 14th at 11 AM. There will be a celebration of life following the services at El Cazador’s restaurant in Oak Harbor. If you would like to attend either the service or the celebration of life of Jeannette with us, we invite you.
In lieu of flowers or donations to a charity. The family requests that we honorJeannette’s kind spirit and that we all make a genuine gesture to help or provide assistance to others.
