Jacqueline “Jackie” Ireland (Eyolfson),
November 6, 1959 – August 16, 2023
Jackie passed peacefully in the arms of her beloved Doug, Garrett, and Cody and has now taken her place in the Halls of Valhalla.
She will be lovingly remembered by her soulmate, Doug Martin; her children Garrett (Emma) Ireland, Cody (Alyssa) Ireland; her precious grandchildren Eloise, Harrison, Miles, Harper, and Maverick; Doug’s family; her sisters Gloria Zacharias, Carol (Bob) Thordarson, and sister-in-law Delores Eyolfson; many nieces and nephews, cousins, and very close friends, as well as the Ireland family.
Jackie was predeceased by her loving parents Eyolfur and Loa, brother Ron and nephew Todd, brother-in-law Jack Zacharias, sister-in-Law Lori D’Ottavio and brother-in-law David Ireland.
Jackie’s story began taking shape early on, at the second happiest place on earth, her childhood home on Gimli’s 4th Avenue. As the unofficial headquarters of yute-ful shenanigans and laughter, the foundation of a sisterhood was born and then grew to become a lifelong group of girls who share a unique “knowing” love for each other, which endures to this day, and will assuredly continue in the years beyond. The innumerable cherished memories that are branded permanently in each’s heart and soul, now become a bitter-sweet reminder of the strength of loyalty and the fragility of life.
Academics came easy for Jackie at Gimli High, especially numbers, reading and detention. Thus, setting the stage to scratch her itch for adventure and consequently, misadventure, in Toronto.
The deep roots of Gimli’s serene song harkened Jackie back where she eventually settled and built a family anchored by her two greatest loves: Garrett and Cody.
Between hockey mom-ing, and gaming mom-ing, Jackie tackled several entrepreneurial pursuits and countless fill-in jobs until her calling became clear…taxes. A passion she embraced and continued to her final days.
In the mid two thousands’, Jackie tacked to a new course where her stars aligned in Nassau, Bahamas, with a new love and a joint promise of unencumbered adventure. And that promise was fulfilled beyond belief.
Jackie’s adventure was turned back to Winnipeg when she learned she was to be an “Amma”, which may have been her biggest achievement and proudest title. Eloise was first, followed by her brother Harrison and then finally Miles on the Ireland tree, and Harper and Maverick on the Martin tree. With a heart fuller than ever, her smile would sparkle at the site of her “babies”.
Jackie was loved by so many and will be truly missed by all the hearts she touched. She has a strong circle of family and friends that love her and will miss her friendship immensely.
Celebrations to be announced at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to any organization who provides services for women’s health and well-being.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Ireland family.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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