Jacqueline Roberta McKerlie
It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Jacqueline McKerlie a loving and adored wife, the worlds best mom, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend on February 18, 2026.
Jackie was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on February 15, 1930. She attended Teachers College and took her first teaching position in Miami, Manitoba. She taught grade 1, 2 and 3 in her early teaching career and in later years Grade 7 and 8 Art.
It was in Miami that she met the love of her life, Almer McKerlie. She went to every one of his ballgames and was his biggest fan! They married August 22, 1953. In June of the following year, they welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Geri. Three years later Erin arrived and 6 years after that, JoAnn. Their family was complete.
Mom was a gifted artist. She held many shows, had her paintings chosen for juried art shows and sold hundreds of paintings. One of mom’s proudest moments was her art display in the Pool of the Black Star in the Manitoba Legislative Building. For many years she belonged to the Miami Art Club and would have the ladies over to her house to do one of her “assignments”. She enjoyed passing along her knowledge and always had a positive comment.
Jackie and Al loved the lake. Their first cottage was in Y-Point but spent the brunt of their retirement at their beautiful cottage at Marina Terrace. Mom spent hours sitting by the lake and reading her books and sharing a cup of tea with Al. Having all of the family up at the lake was always a highlight. Mom loved watching the grandkids playing in the water, having bonfires, water skiing and fishing for perch on the dock.
She helped Al at the family business spending many hours making hamburger, wrapping meat and putting together social trays. It was hard work but she rarely complained. She was with Al and that was all that mattered.
When they sold the business in Miami, Al took a position in Gillam managing the meat department at the Co-op Store. Mom spent hours on her cross country skies. She became known as a “northern artist” which was an absolute honour for her. She painted over 140 paintings during their 3 year northern stint. It was an experience that she often spoke of and thoroughly loved.
Mom loved her three girls and was a fierce protector. Nobody messed with her daughters! She was kind, loving, fair, affectionate and we never feared - we knew mom was always on our side. We will miss you every day, mama, mom, mommy. You made us what we are today.
Mom spent the last year and a half at River East Personal Care Home. We would like to thank the staff of Courage Bay for their incredible care and love for mom. Raquel always made sure that mom had her hair done, make up on and dressed to the nines!
We would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, health care aides, and cleaning staff in the second floor orthopedic unit of Grace General Hospital. The care, kindness, empathy and compassion that was shown to our family and to our mom was beyond incredible.
Left to mourn the loss of Jacqueline is her husband of 72 years, Almer, her daughters Geri (Ross), Erin (Lance), JoAnn (Rick), five grandchildren Ashley (Dave), Darah (Mike), Kyle (Sasha), Jade and Riley (Jesseica), and four great grandchildren Austin, Avery, Violet and Jaxon.
Cremation has already taken place. A private family celebration of Jacqueline’s life will take place at a later date.
We love you to the moon and back!
Love you forever
Love you for always…
It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Jacqueline McKerlie a loving and adored wife, the worlds best mom, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend on February 18, 2026.
Jackie was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on February 15, 1930. She attended Teachers College and took her first teaching position in Miami, Manitoba. She taught grade 1, 2 and 3 in her early teaching career and in later years Grade 7 and 8 Art.
It was in Miami that she met the love of her life, Almer McKerlie. She went to every one of his ballgames and was his biggest fan! They married August 22, 1953. In June of the following year, they welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Geri. Three years later Erin arrived and 6 years after that, JoAnn. Their family was complete.
Mom was a gifted artist. She held many shows, had her paintings chosen for juried art shows and sold hundreds of paintings. One of mom’s proudest moments was her art display in the Pool of the Black Star in the Manitoba Legislative Building. For many years she belonged to the Miami Art Club and would have the ladies over to her house to do one of her “assignments”. She enjoyed passing along her knowledge and always had a positive comment.
Jackie and Al loved the lake. Their first cottage was in Y-Point but spent the brunt of their retirement at their beautiful cottage at Marina Terrace. Mom spent hours sitting by the lake and reading her books and sharing a cup of tea with Al. Having all of the family up at the lake was always a highlight. Mom loved watching the grandkids playing in the water, having bonfires, water skiing and fishing for perch on the dock.
She helped Al at the family business spending many hours making hamburger, wrapping meat and putting together social trays. It was hard work but she rarely complained. She was with Al and that was all that mattered.
When they sold the business in Miami, Al took a position in Gillam managing the meat department at the Co-op Store. Mom spent hours on her cross country skies. She became known as a “northern artist” which was an absolute honour for her. She painted over 140 paintings during their 3 year northern stint. It was an experience that she often spoke of and thoroughly loved.
Mom loved her three girls and was a fierce protector. Nobody messed with her daughters! She was kind, loving, fair, affectionate and we never feared - we knew mom was always on our side. We will miss you every day, mama, mom, mommy. You made us what we are today.
Mom spent the last year and a half at River East Personal Care Home. We would like to thank the staff of Courage Bay for their incredible care and love for mom. Raquel always made sure that mom had her hair done, make up on and dressed to the nines!
We would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, health care aides, and cleaning staff in the second floor orthopedic unit of Grace General Hospital. The care, kindness, empathy and compassion that was shown to our family and to our mom was beyond incredible.
Left to mourn the loss of Jacqueline is her husband of 72 years, Almer, her daughters Geri (Ross), Erin (Lance), JoAnn (Rick), five grandchildren Ashley (Dave), Darah (Mike), Kyle (Sasha), Jade and Riley (Jesseica), and four great grandchildren Austin, Avery, Violet and Jaxon.
Cremation has already taken place. A private family celebration of Jacqueline’s life will take place at a later date.
We love you to the moon and back!
Love you forever
Love you for always…