Mary Ann Jakobsen

7-9-39 ----7-27-17

Mary Ann, a child of God, faithful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, sister, aunt, friend, teacher, photographer, lover of children, nature and wildlife lover, especially horses and birds (thus her nick name, the bird whisperer) went to be with Jesus after a long battle with cancer. Waiting to welcome her were her mom and dad and many friends and relatives that had gone on before her.

Mary Ann was born in Seattle, Washington and lived there for 16 years and attended Queen Anne High School. She moved to South Whidbey Island in l956 where she worked at her folks fishing resort cooking early bird breakfasts in the restaurant for the fishermen. She enjoyed water skiing whenever she was able to go. She was on the honor roll and graduated from Langley High School in 1957. She went to the College of Puget Sound, majoring in education and graduated from the University of Washington in 1961.

She taught 2nd grade for two years in Edmonds. It was there, on a blind date, she met the love of her life, her husband, Jake. They were married in 1963 and made their first home in Bellevue, WA. She taught school there until their son Todd was born in 1965, followed by their daughter, Tonya in 1967. She and Jake enjoyed raising their family of two kids and two dogs.

In 1973 they moved back to Whidbey Island and Mary Ann went back to teaching. She taught kindergarten until she retired, teaching a total of 30 years. They did buy a home in Mukilteo but she commuted back and forth and kept her same job on the island.

After retiring from school teaching they found a place in 'paradise', Leisure World, Mesa, Arizona. They became snow birds for 5 years, staying at Mary Ann's mom's place, while taking care of her in the summer and then bringing her back with them in the winter. When she passed away they became permanent year round residents of Arizona where they lived for 17 years.

Mary Ann was an excellent photographer. She loved taking pictures and supplied many happy memories for so many people. She made many friends in the photography club where she helped out with art shows twice a year. She specialized in wildlife photography, spending many amazing moments with the Salt River Wild Horses. She loved going there every chance she could and often share the beautiful experience with her family and friends.

Mary Ann also made many friends in her computer classes where she learned to be quite the computer expert. She was always willing to share her expertise with anyone that asked for her help.

Walking around the lake, swimming in the pool, playing dominoes with friends, watching movies with her honey, talking on the phone with her loved ones, rescuing any bird, duck or goose that needed help:

these are some of the ways you would find Mary Ann spending her time

Most importantly, Mary Ann loved her Lord Jesus Christ with all her heart. She attended Pathway Christian Fellowship Church in Apache Junction where she worshiped with her brothers and sisters in the Lord.

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Mary Ann was loved and will be missed by all. Her radiant smile, her understanding and compassionate heart will always be remembered. We thank God for her and celebrate her life. We are at peace knowing she has received her ultimate healing and is no longer in pain.

She leaves behind: her husband, Jake, son Todd, (Pam), daughter, Tonya, grandkids, Kelsey, Dylan, Kari, Damon, (Britt), Mylz, (Megan), Tia, (Jon), great-grandkids, Ava, Kiera, Ryder, brothers, Harold, (Val), Gary, (Martha), sister, Dianne, (Glenn) and many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

There will be memorial services for Mary Ann in Washington and Arizona. The time date and place will be announced at a later date.