With heartfelt appreciation for the countless lives she touched, we celebrate the beautiful life of Jacquelyn 'Jackie' Helen Hart as we announce her passing. She peacefully departed this life at the age of 80 on December 22, 2024, at Mountain Glen Retirement Community in Mount Vernon, WA where she had resided the past year. Jackie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who left an enduring legacy, and a lasting impression of love and kindness on everyone who had the honor of knowing her.

Born on October 7, 1944, in Compton, CA, to Raymond and Helen Cates, Jackie grew up with a passion for swimming that led her to represent the United States on the Junior Olympic Swimming Team as a teenager. Alongside her athletic accomplishments, Jackie was a talented cello player, sharing her musical abilities with the same dedication and passion that shaped her life.

In 1961, Jackie met the love of her life, William "Bill" Hart, in Mesa, AZ. The two quickly became inseparable, building a life together rooted in love and partnership. After graduating high school in 1963, Jackie married Bill, beginning a nearly 62-year marriage. In 1968, they moved to Anacortes, WA, where Jackie would live for 55 years and created a lifetime of cherished memories.

Jackie was a devoted mother to her three daughters—Traci, Carie, and Barbara. The heart of every family gathering, Jackie delighted in bringing her children and grandchildren to their Skagit River Woods property for years of swimming, barbecuing, and enjoying each other's company, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Jackie dedicated 35 years to the Anacortes School District, where she worked in various positions but found her true calling in classrooms supporting special needs students. Her patience, compassion, and her belief in the potential of every child made her a treasured presence in their lives. Jackie was also a proud member of the Beta Sigma Phi Women's Sorority Group, where she cultivated lifelong friendships and shared her generous spirit with her community.

Her family will always remember her as a woman of grace, resilience, and warmth. Jackie's home was a gathering place filled with laughter, love, and her signature ability to make everyone feel welcomed and cherished. Whether she was cheering on her grandchildren, preparing family meals, or sharing the fruits and flowers from her garden, especially her famous applesauce - Jackie's presence made every moment brighter.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Helen Cates, and her brother, Forrest Cates.

She is survived by her loving husband, William Hart; her brother, Don Cates; and her sister, Wynona Casey.

Her daughters, Traci (Dave) Melling, Carie (Joe) MacKenzie, and Barbara Hart (Brad), along with her grandchildren, Chrisdee (Phil) Meder, Kiersten Kay (Evan) Coleman, Cassidee Melling, Maddy MacKenzie, Carlee Melling (Spencer), Westin MacKenzie, Ryann McKee, Connor Melling, and Jensen McKee, will carry on her memory. Jackie is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Ellie Meder, Josie Meder, Mary Coleman, and Olivia Ambriz, as well as many nieces and nephews who she held close in her heart.

The family will schedule a celebration of Jackie's life in the coming months, with plans for the event to be held closer to Mother's Day. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley, honoring her lifelong love of animals.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing Jackie's love and spirit will live on in the lives of those she touched. She taught us to cherish one another, embrace life's joys, and lead with kindness.

Rest in peace, our sweet Momma. You will remain in our hearts forever.

Bookmark this direct link to Jackie's Memorial www.evanschapel.com/obituary/jackie-hart to check on updates to her upcoming Celebration of Life, details of which will be posted here, when it becomes available.