September 21, 1954 – August 16, 2025
Family and friends of Jackie are mourning her untimely passing at her home on Saltspring Island. She was inspiring, dynamic, and vibrant; and had a heart as big as all outdoors.
Jackie was predeceased by her mother Mary, father Jack, older sister Lynn, and older brother Bill. Other members of the family had gone in fairly recent times: aunts and uncles that she and her siblings were close to. Thankfully, cousins are still here. In addition to a legion of good friends ranging from Vancouver Island to the Nicola Valley and beyond (Australia, Europe) she leaves behind her loving son Dylan(fatherNeil),sistersTracy, Wendy, Audrey, and brother Keith. She was also an enthusiastic and loving stepmom to Neil’s children and grandchildren.
Born in Westlock Alberta, Jackie lived in Quesnel and Fort St. John in her early years before her family moved to Saltspring Island, where she graduated from Gulf Islands Senior Secondary. Moving to Victoria she graduated from UVic’s teacher training/certification program. After earning her Teacher’s Certificate at UVic, Jackie landed her first full-time teaching job at a small school in Burton, a tiny community located on the Arrow Lakes south of Revelstoke. Out in the middle of nowhere, with no friends or relatives anywhere near, she did her best to make the most of it and made a couple of friendships that lasted over time.
While at UVic she met Neil Todd, a manager in the Fish and Wildlife Branch head office in downtown Victoria, and a romance ensued. Jackie and Neil eventually married, settling on Saltspring Island, In 1984, Jackie supported Neil in his decision to leave his government position and he moved to the Nicola Valley to start a contract with the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans to operate the brand new Spius Creek Salmon Hatchery. Together they formed/incorporated a company, where Jackie showed proficiency in accounting and running a business after she joined Neil. Jackie had remained (temporarily) at home on Saltspring to start up her own business. When she made the move to join Neil in Merritt, she brought with her what was literally a vehicle to introduce herself to the community. For a couple of seasons her Lickety-Split ice cream truck was a summertime fixture at many community outdoor events, ball tournaments, etc. Through that initial exposure she began her community involvement and made lasting friendships. And she and Neil welcomed their baby boy, Dylan, now a pilot. (Jackie was very proud!)
While living in the Nicola Valley, she enrolled at Thompson Rivers University and achieved her Bachelor of Arts degree. Throughout her school years Jackie’s artistic talents had become evident. She had a fine singing voice and this talent, her love of music, and interest in all things artistic led her to the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council. Never shy, possessing impressive energy and an outgoing nature Jackie organized many enjoyable events. She was the Art Gallery Director for a time and curated some great art shows. Jackie spent many fulfilling years in the Arts Council. Her signature achievement was leading the charge to enable acquisition of the community’s grand piano – an asset welcomed by both touring and local musicians.
Jackie was well travelled, by plane, ferry, and car. She enjoyed planning and embarking on adventures near and far. She didn’t hesitate to pop in and visit all her dear friends along her way.
In 2019, Jackie moved to Vancouver Island, where she settled into a small community in Duncan, called Sungoma. She loved it there initially. She joined the Arts community and hosted family and friends on several occasions in her cozy surroundings and on her wide deck. Last April she made the decision to settle on Salt Spring Island. She had family and friends there too and had become involved in the community, singing and volunteering.
Despite her joyful expressions and accomplishments, Jackie had internal struggles over the decades and as time and life wore on they were an overwhelming force that simply wore her out. And eventually, finally, took her.
Jackie, and her vivacious spirit, will be well remembered and greatly missed.
Celebration of Life at Beaver Point Hall, October 15, 2025 at 3:30 PM. If you’d like to, bring a dish to share, but a light snack will be provided.