She enjoyed a long rich life and though her death was not unexpected, it is never easy to say goodbye to someone who has been loved so deeply, by so many.
Jackie was born on July 1, 1932, to Felix and Jennie Rudberg in Ironwood, Michigan. After graduating from Farmington High School in 1950, Jackie moved to Detroit with two of her best girlfriends to study at Henry Ford School of Nursing. She received her nursing diploma in 1953 and went on to work at John Sealy Hospital in Galveston, Texas, where she met her husband, Wilson Leake.
Jackie had four beautiful children, whom she loved dearly. After the first two kids (Jenny and Wilson) were born, the family moved to Seattle, Washington. A few years down the road, Nelda and Lawrence came along. The family enjoyed skiing at Snoqualmie Pass, going to the Woodland Park Zoo, going on camping trips, and spending summers on Bainbridge Island.
Outside of work and family, Jackie had many passions throughout her life. She loved cats (and dogs, but especially cats)! She always had at least one pet, which was more often than not a rescue. Jackie was an active member of the Episcopal Church, finding an especially supportive community at St. Alban’s in recent years. She deeply appreciated the arts, including ballet, symphony, and opera. Additionally, Jackie was a master crafter herself. This took many forms, including sewing, knitting, and beading. As her life evolved, she continued to find daily joy in puzzles, books, word games and the Seattle Mariners. Over the years, Jackie found her way to many beautiful corners of the world, including Japan, Italy, and of course MANY trips to the island of Kauai!
Jackie is survived by her children Jennifer (Mike), Wilson (Cathy), Nelda (Kelly), and Lawrence (Roseann), her grandchildren Rachel, Natalie, Ceanna, Trevor, Jarrett, Isabelle, Angelee, Yulo, Renco, and Skala, her great-grandchildren Marshall, Addison, Walker, Sophie, and Cooper, her younger brother William and her sweet orange kitty Captain. She is preceded in death by her parents, three siblings – Marion, Judy, and Bud, and two grandchildren – Kimberly and BJ.
Jackie was radiant, hardworking, and incredibly generous. Her family was everything to her, to her very last days she was so involved and proud of her brood. Jackie’s big heart touched many lives, her ability to connect and care genuinely for people is an inspiration. She will be remembered and deeply missed.
As we prepare to celebrate Jackie’s life on September 7, 2024, at St. Alban's in Edmonds, we ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her memory to St. Alban’s-Chase Lake or the Kauai Community Cat Project. Details of the service will follow.
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