March 22, 2021
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of one of Comox Valley's most inspirational people. Jackie lost her year and a half long battle with cancer the morning of March 22, at the age of 57. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family in Hospice Care.
She leaves behind her husband Dan and children Brandon (Kellie), and Kyrstin (Adrian), and grandchildren Taylor, Blake, Axel, Lennox, and Marley. Sisters Michelle and Bev (Ig), brother in laws Dave (Julie), Drew (Renee) and sister in law Lorna (Bill). Also 4 nephews and 4 nieces. She was predeceased by her parents Ray and Joan Roy.
After growing up in Cedar, BC, she enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program at Malaspina College and received her diploma in 1984. Jackie began working in the field with the Child Development Centre in Nanaimo until she and Dan moved to Courtenay in 1991 when she opened Creative Care Daycare and Preschool out of the bottom floor of their home on Valley View Drive.
Over the next 30 years, she profoundly touched the lives of hundreds of young families in the Comox Valley as she taught their young children, aged 2.5 to 5 years. One of the most difficult things for these young families, was to get their children on her waiting list well before their child reached enrollment age.
At times this meant children were added to her wait list before they were born. But for so many of these families, Jackie was more than a caregiver and it was not uncommon for these relationships to become close friendships.
Countless of these friendships continued for the remainder of her life and as a result, Jackie always gained her inspiration from these children and their parents.
Jackie was a member of Bay Community Church in Comox and worshiped there for the past decade. Throughout her illness, she never lost hope and her bravery was witnessed by everyone around her. She relied on the strength of knowing where she was going and we can gain solace now that she is with her Creator.
Recently, Jackie has helped plan a family Celebration of Life for this summer at the place she loved most, her second home on Horne Lake. It is here that her ashes will be spread.