Jackie Dawn Brown, precious mother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024. She was 79 years old.
Jackie was born on June 21, 1944, in Yakima WA, the daughter of Pete and Elsie DeVries. She grew up with a passion for life, always embracing every moment with grace and kindness. She attended Richland High School class of (’62) and worked at the Uptown Theatre as an usherette, then candy counter, and sometimes in the ticket booth.
In February of 1965 Jackie married Harry Bartol and had four children Ed, Rob, Mike, and Shari. They were married 18 years and were divorced in 1982.
As a single mother of four teenagers, Jackie worked tirelessly to provide for her family, demonstrating her unwavering commitment and strength in the face of challenges. Jackie was a devoted mother to her four children. She poured her heart and soul into raising them, instilling in them the values of love, compassion, resilience and hard work. Her children were her pride and joy, and she took immense pleasure in watching them grow into the individuals they became.
She was a cook at the Richland High School cafeteria and Assistant Manager at Eves Buffet in Fred Meyer, she also spent time as a clerk at 7-11. She later went back to school to Trend College for Computerized Business Systems and started working at Energy Northwest as a word processor/document designer. She retired after 20 years from Energy Northwest in 2011.
She had a deep affection for animals, making her a devoted pet enthusiast and an active member of her community. She volunteered her time and talents with POPP (Pet Over Population Prevention) helping with fostering, and pet adoption, always seeking to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Jackie will be remembered for her unwavering strength, her boundless compassion, and her zest for life. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Jackie is preceded in death by her parents Pete and Elsie DeVries and her sister Bobbe. She is survived by her siblings Pam (Lyle), Candy (Lee), Gayla (Scott), Melodie (Duane) and Lindsay, children Ed (Leela), Rob (Lori), Mike (Rachel), and Shari (David), as well as 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A graveside service to celebrate Jackie’s life will be held on March 29 at Einan’s Sunset Gardens, reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to POPP (Pet Over Population Prevention) or Alzheimer’s in Jackie’s memory.
Special thanks to the staff and caregivers at Callaway Gardens who took amazing care of our mother over the last 4 years.
Though Jackie may no longer walk among us, our memory of her will forever shine bright, guiding us with love and light. May she rest in peace.