Jacquelyn (Jackie) Loretta Watt's Obituary
Jacquelyn (Jackie) Loretta Watt was reunited with her husband Arvid and sons Doug and Brian in heaven on Sunday October 27, 2024. Jackie was an educator, a teacher who was always trying to teach and show her family the right way, “God’s way. Jackie was born in Hundred West Virginia on March 31, 1932. After moving to Michigan for her senior year of high school she met the love of her life at Marion High school and then married Arvid Watt on September 9, 1950. After giving birth to 3 sons, she decided that she wanted to take her passion for educating and become an elementary teacher. This was an incredible task, raising a young family and attending school during the day and at night. She spent 2 summers in East Lansing in the pursuit of her elementary teaching degree. She attended Port Huron Junior College and then transferred to Michigan State University. Jackie graduated with honors and began her educational career teaching lower elementary in the East China school district. During her early years of teaching, she was blessed with the birth of her daughter Angela. Jackie started teaching in 1967 and retired in 1992 after 25 years of impacting the lives of many. She often said that even though she taught first and second grade, that third grade was her favorite. Jackie was the wife of a coach and even though she had her own family, she “adopted” all of the many players on Arvid’s teams. The players would often refer to her as “mom.” Jackie was extremely active in the Methodist Church both in St Clair and when she and Arvid moved north to Canadian Lakes where they became members at New Hope Methodist Church. Jackie was always hungry to learn and spent many hours reading her Bible and attending study groups at the church. After Arvid died in 1999, she started up a women’s social group called the Red Hat Society. One of the best Bible verses that describes Jackie is John 15:5…”I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Jackie was preceded in death by her second son Brian, in May of 1994. Brian was injured while in the army and was comatose for 15 years. During this time, Jackie was a pillar of strength, leading her family to trust in the Lord and that everything has a purpose in God’s plan.
Jackie’s husband Arvid passed in December of 1999 after dealing with heart complications over 20+ years. Jackie’s true identity was exposed after Arvid had a heart attack in 1992. Jackie decided to retire from education and spend the time with her husband and care for him. Even then she was teaching. She was teaching her friends and family that family is important and that God is faithful.
Jackie’s oldest son Doug passed away in February of 2023 suddenly and unexpected.
Jackie is survived by her son Jon (Kathy) and her daughter Angela (Jose) and daughter in-law Marilyn. Jackie is also survived by her 6 grandchildren. Heather (Chris), Kristin (Jon), Jenna (Nolan), Jalissa (Josh), Noah and Sophia. Jackie has 11 great grandchildren
Jackie’s life will be celebrated with an intimate family gathering at Hillside Cemetery on Friday November 1.
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