Peacefully in the early evening of December 2nd, 2024 Jackie passed away in St Joseph's Hospital after a short illness at the age of 71. Born to John and Madeline Belle on September 22, 1953 Jackie grew up and was educated in Fort William. She attended
Selkirk High School and was active in sports. Later attended Confederation College where she was the editor of the yearbook.
She worked for a number of companies including Royal Insurance, Thunder Country Diving, Jostens Canada, the Rossport Inn before becoming very involved as a coordinator for various hockey leagues, roller hockey for kids, and ran numerous hockey tournaments. Jackie was well recognized around Fort William Gardens as a timekeeper/scorekeeper for the Lakehead University Thunderwolves and the Thunder Bay North Stars. Many a hockey player visiting the penalty box got stern looks from Jackie.
Jackie enjoyed a number of hobbies – cross-stitch, plastic canvas, knitting, crocheting and word search puzzles. She always had a dog to keep her company through the years (Beau, Missy, Brewster and Sheeba).
Jackie had a few mobility issues that required surgery but the most challenging was having a stroke at age 59. She worked very hard to regain most of her speech ability and did not let anything stop her from travelling to her favourite places first with her mother and later with her goddaughter Amanda – Disney World in Florida and Frankenmuth Michigan – her last trip in September 2024 was a road trip to Frankenmuth.
Predeceased by her parents John in 1986, Madeline in 2010, and her only sister Brenda in 2014. Jackie will be fondly remembered by her goddaughter Amanda Peterson, special friends Wally and Kathy Peterson, Jeff Peterson, and Sara Peterson.
There are also many people to thank for always being there for Jackie throughout the years including neighbours Lana Lang, Alan Young, Tim and Emma Baxter, Paul Wehrstedt, and friends Phyllis Benincasa, Rob Huston, Mary Richardson and many others.
Special thanks to the caring staff, nurses and aides in 2B at Thunder Bay Regional and in 4 North at St Joseph's Hospital. We appreciate the wonderful hearts you have for the work you do.
Please join us for a special Celebration of Life for Jackie Belle on Sunday, April 13th, 2025, from 1pm to 3pm, at Columbus Centre, 301 South May Street.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
