Sandra Kay Jackoboice

Sandra Kay Jackoboice, age 88, was called home by the Lord on May 4, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, caring, kindness — and the most beautiful blue eyes you could imagine that saw so much beauty in the world during her 88 wonderful years. She passed away peacefully on a Sunday night, holding hands with her devoted son, Tim, in Naples, Florida.

Sandy was born July 22, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, to Virgil and Lucille (Dillemuth) LeSeur, both preceding her in death. As an only child and affectionately nicknamed "Bunny," her childhood was filled with love, laughter, and close bonds she shared with her parents, cousins, and friends. She cherished summers on her grandmother's farm, whom she adored, creating memories that brought her joy throughout her life.

In 1955, Sandy began studies at Michigan State University, where she met Edward James Jackoboice. They married in 1958 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and raised their family in the idyllic village of Ada, Michigan, along the banks of the Thornapple River. Later in life, Sandy returned to school, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Aquinas College in 1989, an accomplishment she pursued with the same grace and determination she brought to all things.

Sandy and Ed shared 54 years of marriage before his passing in 2012. Together, they raised two sons: Timothy J. (Heather) Jackoboice of Naples, Florida, and Edward M. Jackoboice of New Mexico. She leaves behind three cherished granddaughters — Remington, 22; London, 20; and Montana, 17 — who brought her endless pride and joy. Whether they were studying at Florida State or the University of Florida, or starting careers in New York, Sandy's eyes lit up like the domes of Santorini when she was with them.

Professionally, Sandy was a creative and a visionary. She owned a high-end clothing boutique in Cascade, Michigan. She also modeled and later founded Color Plus, a professional image consulting firm in Grand Rapids. She was involved with the Junior League of Grand Rapids, was physically active in tennis and golf, and loved walking for exercise, especially with friends.

But it was in her art that Sandy's soul truly soared. A master of pastels, she became a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, founded the Great Lakes Pastel Society in 1997, and after moving to Naples in 2001, established the Southwest Florida Pastel Society. She later served as Vice President of the International Association of Pastel Societies, all of which greatly benefited from her years of contribution.

Sandy's work was exhibited worldwide in countless galleries, collections, and shows, and most meaningful to her — gracing the homes of family and friends across the country. She taught art throughout the United States, including the Frederick Meijer Gardens, the Baker Museum at Artis Naples, the von Liebig Art Center, Ave Maria University, and the Florida State Capitol, among many others.

Sandy's passion for art and culture led her to travel across more than 60 countries. She would photograph people, landscapes, florals, and wildlife — transforming those experiences into stunning pastel paintings filled with color, life, and memories. The process of seeing the world, connecting with its people, photographing it, and transforming it into incredible pieces of art gave her work a depth and beauty that resonated far beyond the canvas.

Later in life, Sandy continued her contributions to the art world, managing the Bentley Village Art Collection and supporting Ave Maria University. She and Ed hosted an annual International Student Gala at Ave Maria University for years, celebrating international students' cultures through music, dance, performances, and stories — something she deeply loved. It was Sandy's quiet generosity that was so impressive to those who knew her best.

Years after Ed's passing, Sandy found love, joy, and companionship again with Ron Minarcini. They made new memories, shared adventures traveling together, and were deeply devoted to each other.

Sandy truly loved the world's beauty, its people, and the wonder it held. She had an unshakable Christian faith that guided her gently but clearly, a warmth that lit up every room she entered, and a kindness that made everyone feel seen, heard, and loved. Her love of the beach, the seas, and the coastal lifestyle mirrored her sunny disposition — bright, peaceful, and full of life. And she was always smiling.

We will miss her deeply — her smile, her laugh, her wisdom, and her strength. Her sense of humor remained until the end. And we will miss those unforgettable blue eyes that let us glimpse into the incredible soul behind them — a soul that loved fully, gave freely, and saw beauty in everyone she met. It was a gift to be by her side, to hold her hand, and to see her safely home to the Lord. Rest in peace, Mom. You are forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Hodges Funeral Home, 525 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108 Mass will be conducted on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 11:00am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108, with a Celebration of Life to follow Mass at 12:45pm at LaPlaya Beach & Resort Club, 9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples, FL 34108

For Donations in honor of Sandy, please consider: (see links below)

Artis Naples https://artisnaples.org/support/friends/

ArtPrize: https://www.artprize.org/donate#

Conservancy of SW Florida: conservancy.org/donate/