Remembering Jacquie Watts & Helping her Boys

On October 6th, we lost an incredible friend and remarkable mother , Jacquie Watts (Leep). Jacquie brought a vivacious spirit into any room she walked into, always wearing stylish fun outfits with flashy boots or high heels! Everyone who knew Jacquie knows she was deeply devoted to her two sons, Austin and Harrison. While her sons were in school, she was perhaps the most favorite soccer mom in the Rogue Valley renown for her cooking and particularly spicy chicken wings and spicy dishes. Her passion to cook for her sons, their friends and her friends continued until her unexpected death.

 

Jacquie was very loving and caring to everyone she met. She was committed to long term friendships and opened her arms to new ones. She cherished every sporting event her boys participated in as well as her long time friends children. She cheered them on with loud whistles, jumping up and down ,and yelling at the top of her lungs. Jacquie was spicy, vibrant, full of energy and a little wacky (hence wacky Jacquie). She added zest to her own spice blend in her recipe of life. She loved hiking and backpacking and going on many adventures with her children and friends. Whether it was a 2, 10 or 25 mile hike she was always up to the challenge. Many times she would get lost...however, she found her way back with a great story to tell. She was an avid gardener. She loved flowers, and growing her own vegetable garden and herb and pepper garden to use in her spicy dishes. She had a great vision for decorating and landscaping an outdoor area. She loved the dirt but was classy enough for facials, pedicures, spa treatments and getting her hair done.

Her son's father passed away from cancer about ten years ago, after which Jacquie doubled down on her fiercely loyal dedication to her sons. She always encouraged them to expand their experiences and embrace new opportunities, well beyond those available to her over her lifetime.

 

Jacquie worked throughout her life while being a full time mother including a long career as a "linewoman' with phone companies in Colorado and Oregon. She was one of the only women in that field that is historically male dominated, which included climbing telephone poles and she did not shy away from that task.   Adversity never stood in her way, she was a role model of how strong and capable women can be in their careers and LIFE! Jacquie shifted to healthcare after battling breast cancer. She was a fighter throughout her battle and could proudly wear the badge : BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR. She became an important administrative team member for a number of medical practices, most recently Asante's Pulmonary program.

 

We are devastated by our loss of this remarkable woman and spirited friend. As friends, mothers of sons and daughters, and former soccer moms standing with Jacquie over many years and experiences we are creating this GoFundMe to assist Austin and Harrison with all the many expenses related to their loss of their mother.

 

We know it takes a village to raise and support children to become part of the larger community. We feel strongly that as friends of Jacquie's that we can demonstrate in many ways to Austin and Harrison that a village of Jacquie's friends and their own friends surround them at this impossibly challenging and unexpected turn in their life and all our ours.

 

Please join us if you can. We will announce a memorial for Jacquie, which is in conversation, but may be planned for Summer 2022, her favorite time of year! Thank you ! Rest in Peace Jacquie. We all Love and Miss you dearly.