Evelyn Jacqueline Derocher Galecke (Jackie) of Dallas, TX, and Sister Bay, WI, passed away peacefully Oct 31, 2020, at her home in Dallas, surrounded by her family. Jackie was born to Rose and Eugene Derocher in Bark River, MI. She was the second youngest of 12 in their large Catholic family. After high school, Jackie moved to Milwaukee and proudly attended Cosmetology School. After graduating, she worked as a hairdresser for several years before marrying Robert Galecke in 1969. She then became an amazing mother to Beth, Tricia, and Amy. Several years later, John arrived to complete the family.
In the 1990s, Jackie worked at Jesuit High School in Dallas. This job was probably one of her favorites. She could act as a mother, mentor, disciplinarian, and friend to all in the community. Another highlight of Jackie's life was spending summers with friends and family in beautiful Door County, WI. In 1995 she purchased the Red Barn Cottages. She loved caring for her guests and built long time friendships over the 10 years of her business. Jackie also created their second home in Door County. She always welcomed visitors with her delicious food and, of course, a bourbon old fashion. Jackie loved her gardens, reminiscing with her loved ones, singing at the player piano, freshly pressed linens, baking her famous pies, and making French-Canadian tourtière and peanut brittle for Christmas. Still, most of all, Jackie loved doting on her grandchildren.
The Galecke family wants to thank with an enormous amount of gratitude Jackie’s caregivers, Virginia Kuria and Meggie Mwareka. They showed so much compassion and love to Jackie and her family. They were at Jackie’s side from February until her passing. They treated her as if she were their own mother and the family will remember their gentle care forever. The family is also incredibly grateful for all of the friends, family, and medical professionals who have been their support system and shown so much love and kindness.
Jackie is survived by her husband of 51 years, Bob, daughters Elizabeth, Tricia and Amy and John and Cristina Chen. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Sawyer, Andrew, Jacob, Sofia, Jonah, Maxwell and Charles. In addition, she is survived by two sisters, Jean Campbell and Emily Larson Schneider along with many nieces and nephews and their families. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Tyler.
Celebrations of her life will be planned in 2021, in Dallas and Door County. In honor of Jackie, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org), Visiting Nurses Association Hospice (VNAtexas.org), American Heart Association (heart.org) or an organization of your choice.
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