The Jackie Oen Fund for Animals

Jackie was a loving, funny, free-spirited lady with a huge heart. She was a great mom to her 4 kids and was also called Mom by all the neighborhood kids. She loved animals, and she and her kids rescued and rehabilitated birds, bats, cats, dogs, and squirrels. After moving back to her parents’ farm, she cared for many animals that wandered onto the property after being abandoned, either keeping them or finding them a good home. Even in declining health, she loved watching the birds and ducks, and caring for her dog.

The Saturday before she passed away, Jackie visited Journey’s End Animal Sanctuary in DeLand, FL, a loving home for animals who have been neglected, abused, or have physical disabilities. She fell in love with the animals there, especially Pops (a shar-pei mix), and the cats in the Cat House.

Jackie’s final wish was to help raise funds for some much-needed repairs to the Cat House, which is home to over 100 cats, many of whom are elderly, disabled, or were rescued from difficult circumstances. (The house was built in the 1950s, and the back part was enlarged and rebuilt thru the generosity of long-time supporters Gottfried and Hildegard, in honor of Gottfried’s parents.) Now we are looking to rebuild the front part of the Cat House, in honor of Jackie Oen. The first phase of the work includes flooring, carpentry, and air conditioning repairs. Final plans are being worked out but it is expected that this fund will provide for the most essential repairs.

Thank you for any help you are able to provide to ensure a safe and healthy environment for the cats of Journey’s End, in honor of Jackie and her lifelong love for animals.