Jacqueline Joann O'Farrell

June 1, 1939 – Baptism

June 6, 1954 – Confirmation

January 19, 2026 – Died

Jacqueline Johanna (Endorf) O’Farrell was born in Kimball, Nebraska, at her grandmother’s home. As a young child, she lived in Des Moines, Iowa, where her father worked several different jobs. When her mother became pregnant with her sister Janet and her father was called to serve near the end of World War II, the family — along with Aunt Lois and the babies Janet and Bobby — moved to Weiser, Idaho, to live on the family farm with grandparents Bertha and Harry Woods. When Jacqueline was five and a half, her grandfather passed away from a heart attack, and the family moved into town.

Jacqueline attended school in Weiser and remembered her childhood fondly. She shared a story with her daughter-in-law about how she thoroughly enjoyed sneaking out to the barn and cuddling with the piglets. She would often get caught when she came back with her dress ripped and soiled from the pig pen. Although the nation was at war, she was largely unaware of it — there was no television, and newspapers arrived only once a week. She spent most of her time outdoors while the radio played inside. With no immediate family affected by the war, Jacqueline grew up active and spirited, often described as a “tomboy.” She wore long braids and dresses to school and was known to leave the house looking neat, though she often returned home with her hair pulled loose and her dresses ripped from play.

After her father returned from the war, he worked in Payette, Idaho. Her parents later moved to Washington when Jacqueline was in the fourth grade. She relocated to Seattle in the fifth grade, first living in the Queen Anne Hill neighborhood before settling in Ballard. Jacqueline graduated from Ballard High School in 1957 and then went on to Central Washington College, majoring in education.

During her sophomore year, Jacqueline married and returned to Seattle, attending the University of Washington. Carrie, her first daughter, soon joined the family, followed by Lynne, who was born while they lived in the University District. When Lynne was six months old, the family moved to Pasco, believing it would be a good place to live for a few years. After the birth of Robert, her first son, Jacqueline returned to Seattle with her husband. When Robert was five years old, Stuart was born. Once Stuart entered school, Jacqueline decided to continue her own education. The degree she sought was not available at the University of Washington but was offered at Central Washington, so she returned there and completed her studies, graduating in December 1977. She spent over a year substitute teaching, as she struggled to obtain interviews due to a lack of experience. Ultimately, she was successful in securing a teaching position at Soap Lake High School.

As the saying goes, “Life happens while you are making other plans.” With faith and perseverance, Jacqueline’s life took another meaningful turn. She moved to Grandview with her youngest son, where she earned her master’s degree and taught for twenty-three years before retiring at age sixty-five with a well-earned pension.

Jacqueline often said she did not claim to have great wisdom to pass on, but she cherished many memories held close to her heart. Like anyone, she carried regrets and moments she wished had unfolded differently, yet she believed life was a journey guided by faith. She felt deeply blessed by her family and was immensely proud of her children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Above all, she was grateful for their love and for the blessings she believed God provided her until the end.

She is survived by her children Carrie, Lynne, Robert, and Stuart, and their significant others, Gary, George, Jenny, and Amy, respectively. Along with her grandchildren, she cherished Lane, Maricella, Bianca, and Jillian, and their spouses Brianne, Matt, Ricky, and Chris, respectively. She was truly blessed to spend time with her great-grandchildren Bailey, Taylor, Parker, and Zoe.