Obituaries

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Joyce LaFord, age 66, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died unexpectedly on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at her home. She was born on January 9, 1958, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Albert and Iva (Smith) Douglas.

Jackie graduated from Sault High School in 1976, and continued her education in the following years, eventually earning her bachelor’s degree from Lake Superior State University. She married Steven J. LaFord on August 26, 1978. They raised two sons, Benjamin and Daniel. She was a loving and dedicated mother and wife.

She loved the outdoors, whether she was hiking the north country trail, planting, and cultivating her garden, or tending to the many flowers and plants she had decorated her yard with. Jackie loved people and was a good neighbor and friend. She had a large extended family and attended many family reunions. Jackie and Steve loved traveling and camping and had visited every state in the United States. She leaves behind so many who loved her.

Jackie is survived by her husband of 46 years, Steve; sons, Ben (Erin) of Traverse City, Michigan and Daniel (Alexis) of Sault Ste. Marie; grandchildren, Barrett, Elaina and Owen, who were her treasures; sisters, Joan (Denny) Johnson of Paris, Michigan, Nancy (Dick) Hetrick of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and Paula (Bill) Thomas of Tomahawk, Wisconsin; father-in-law, Jerry Laford; sister-in-law, Becky (Eli) Andary; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Iva Douglas; mother-in-law, Judy LaFord.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at the Sault Wesleyan Church, on Wednesday October 2, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with the Memorial Service at 11:00 AM.

Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements.