Jacqueline D. Laughlin

Jacqueline Diane Laughlin (Myers) passed away May 13, 2026, at her home in Bellingham, Washington. She was 83.

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Jackie spent her life moving between Canada and the United States, creating beautiful homes, friendships and community in both countries. After moving to Washington state as a child, she later spent 20 years in Kelowna before returning to Bellingham in retirement to be near family.

Jackie graduated from Marysville High School and later from Mary Stone Beauty School in Seattle before marrying Ron Goethals May 19, 1961. Together, they built a life that included boating and camping trips with their children throughout the San Juan Islands and at Baker Lake. The family lived in Snohomish, Kitsap and later Skagit counties. Her favorite memories were often tied to family, laughter and caring for others.

In the late 1970s, Ron surprised Jackie by purchasing the Sedro-Woolley Bakery & Café. Working with customers transformed her from a self-described wallflower of her youth into someone known for warmth and humor. She loved serving people, joking with customers and making others feel welcome.

Jackie endured losses throughout her life. She and Ron lost their firstborn daughter, Linda, in infancy. Ron died unexpectedly in 1981, leaving 39-year-old Jackie to navigate life as a widowed mother with two teenagers, a five-acre hobby farm and a business to manage alone. She later married Chuck Roo, who died just a few years later.

Rather than surrendering to hardship, Jackie repeatedly rebuilt her life. After Ron’s death and the sale of the bakery, she enrolled in the State of Washington Displaced Homemaker program, where she learned professional caregiving skills and how to become financially independent. In 1986, she was invited to speak on the Displaced Homemaker Panel at a state conference, sharing insight into the challenges widowed women face.

A few years after Ron’s death, Jackie’s son, Steve, suffered life-altering injuries in a motorcycle accident. During that difficult period, a friend once told her, “Jackie, if you didn’t have bad luck, you wouldn’t have any luck at all.” She found humor in that statement and, despite the hardships she faced, Jackie refused to become bitter. Instead, she moved through life with spunk, determination and an ever-present smile.

In 1988, Jackie moved to Kelowna, British Columbia, with then husband Glenn Laughlin, where she spent the next two decades building a caregiving career. She became a certified special needs worker and worked at group homes, caring for people living with disabilities. She was often recognized for her positivity, compassion and excellence in her work.

Caregiving was never simply a job for Jackie. It was who she was. She devoted much of her life to activities that supported children, people living with disabilities and those who needed encouragement or kindness. She volunteered with organizations including Giggles & Hugs Parenting Program in Kelowna and Assistance League in Bellingham.

Jackie loved flowers and gardening and had a special appreciation for orchids. A spare bedroom in her home was often filled with orchids, including many rescued from friends and neighbors who could never get them to bloom again. She loved traveling to warm destinations and especially enjoyed her numerous trips to Waikiki.

More than anything, Jackie loved her family. She served as Steve’s guardian, advocate and unwavering source of love and support for nearly 40 years following his accident. She was immensely proud of her daughter, Patti, and loved their frequent phone calls, video chats and visits. When Patti moved to a two-story home, despite mobility and health challenges and with encouragement and support from family, Jackie always found the strength to climb a flight of stairs so she wouldn’t miss out on any gatherings.

She adored her grandchildren, Kelsey and Branden. When they were young and needed babysitting, she would read all the instructions left by their parents, then joke that she’d “throw the note away as soon as you left.” Time spent together was filled with laughter, teasing, hugs and proud grandmotherly affection.

Jackie was known for giving wonderful hugs and for finding small ways to brighten the lives of other people. She made people laugh. She made people feel included and cared for. Even during difficult seasons, she carried herself with warmth, humor and resilience, showing future generations that life may knock you down at times, but you always get back up.

Since 2022, Jackie resided at Highgate Senior Living in Bellingham, where she built relationships with both residents and care partners. While she never wanted the official title of resident ambassador, Jackie always welcomed new residents and helped them settle into the community.

Jackie was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Linda Jean Goethals; her husband, Ronald Jules Goethals; her husband, Charles William Roo; her mother, Kathleen Elizabeth Chrisman; and her son, Steven Michael Goethals.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Goethals Rowlson; her grandchildren, Kelsey Haynes and Branden Rowlson; her sisters, Maureen Morlang and Vicky Myers; her brother, Barry Chrisman; and numerous family members, dear friends and others she loved as family.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the care partners, life enrichment coordinators, dining room team, med techs, housekeepers and others at Highgate Senior Living for the laughter, kindness, encouragement and friendship they brought to Jackie’s life.

Per Jackie’s wishes, there will not be a funeral. Instead, a private family gathering to celebrate her life will be held June 28, her birthday.