On April 25th, Jacqueline Lea Lechelt (Shupe) slipped quietly into forever, surely embraced by her loved ones who had journeyed ahead. Hand in hand with her beloved Delroy, Jackie tended a life with the mindfulness of a gardener. She planned and coaxed the next season’s growth in her roles as mother, grand and great grandmother, sister, aunt, community member, and friend.

Jackie recognized adventure throughout her 86 years. As she traveled through life, she gathered friendships like treasures, cherishing them and holding space in her heart and home, always proud to share and celebrate having found them. She honored the familial generations before her, learned their lessons and preserved their stories, lovingly passing down both. And so, with her life’s example of grace, alacrity, and good humor left to the memories of her most devoted and loyal circle, and her mortal form at rest under the roof of her dream home, she released all earthly concerns, unknit her brow and smiled toward the stars.

She is preceded in death by her parents, older brother, younger sister, husband and son. She is survived by countless friends, five sisters, one brother, a remaining child, three grandchildren, one precious great granddaughter and her daughter-in-law who she called “the daughter of her heart.”

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.