Jacqueline Raelene ‘Jackie’ (Araujo) Myers, 72, died peacefully Sunday, Jan. 23 at her home in Lakeport.
She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and attended Sacred Hearts Academy and Star of the Sea High School where she graduated as salutatorian in 1956. A true “island girl” and an artist from a young age, she enjoyed painting mostly in oils and pastels, drawing inspiration from Hawaii’s beautiful flowers, beaches, and seascapes. She attended the University of Hawaii and had a career as a medical secretary/artist in which she sketched and colorized surgical procedures with intricate detail that could not be captured by the color photography of the time.
While working as an executive secretary in the early days of the computer industry, she met and fell in love with Phil, her “Midwestern sweetheart.” They married and raised their young family on Oahu until her husband was relocated for his job to California’s Silicon Valley in 1974.
A loving wife and mother, she devoted herself to her husband, children, and church where she actively contributed her time, energy, and creative talents at Saint Anthony’s Parish in Kailua, HI; Saint Victor’s Parish in San Jose; and Saint Thomas More Catholic Community in Paradise.
Mrs. Myers was as an avid crafter and Cub Scout den mother, and had a love of baking. She and her husband traveled, visiting many historic and religious sites around the world. Once the children were older, she returned to work as office manager at Vinci Park School in San Jose for 12 years. She and her husband retired in 2002, moving to Paradise and later, to Lakeport.
She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Phillip Myers of Lakeport; sons, John (Tamara) Myers of Oakdale, Kevin (Daphne) Myers of Elk Grove; daughters, Debra (Rian) Sommerfield of Lakeport, Ann Myers of Burbank; six grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sarah Araujo and Jacinth Araujo; and brother, Jason Araujo.
Visitation and rosary were held Jan. 28 at Chapel of the Lakes, Lakeport. A funeral service was held Jan. 29 at Saint Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, Lakeport. Interment was at Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Lakeport.
Remembrances may be made in her memory to CurePSP to fund research for a cure for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), as well as physician education and caregiver support, by visiting www.curepsp.org and identifying the donation “in memory of The Jackie Myers Family Fund.”
Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, Lakeport, in charge of arrangements.
