Jacqueline Mary Neuretter passed away unexpectedly on April 9th, 2016 at West Coast General Hospital.
Born on May 31, 1932, in South Nelson, in La Miramichi region of New Brunswick to Octave Girouard and Nathalie Robichaud, Jacqueline, known to friends and family as Jackie, was the youngest of five siblings. She is predeceased by her sister Clara Daniels, and brothers Sterling, Stafford and Alban Girouard, as well as her son-in-law Mark Spence. She is survived by her husband Ernie Neuretter, daughter Johanna (Richard) Spence, daughter-in-law Joely (Gio) Selva, granddaughters Christina (Jim) Proteau, Vanessa (Eric) Spence, Jaimey Richmond and Angela Spence, and great grandchildren Aria and Jameson.
Raised in a largely francophone home where Jackie understood the language but always responded back in English, Jackie finished high school in New Brunswick and then travelled for work from New Brunswick to Ontario. Jackie lived in Hamilton working at Loblaws; she went out to the German Club one evening with some girlfriends where she was spotted by Ernie, who was there for dinner. They were married on November 7, 1960. Together with their young daughter, they made their way out West to Port Alberni. Ernie came out first for a job with MacMillan Bloedel and Jackie followed with Johanna on the train through the Canadian Rockies. Both Jackie and Ernie worked for the Pulp and Paper Mill until retirement. Through Jackie’s working life and through retirement, she enjoyed a great deal of travel with Ernie, Johanna and eventually her oldest granddaughters Christina and Vanessa. Honolulu, Hawaii figured prominently as the main destination, where they travelled to yearly several times. Jackie’s latter years were spent largely socializing and having coffee with friends and bending whomever’s ear she could find about her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be missed dearly by those who knew her well or only knew her a little.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 16th at 11:00 a.m. at the Alberni Golf Club.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the West Coast General Hospital Foundation. The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to Dr. Nell, Dr. Feyi and specifically Dr. Wijay, as well as the nursing staff at West Coast General Hospital.