Jacalyn M. Thomas

Jacalyn (Jackie) Hedglin Thomas passed away February 2, 2016, at home, in the care of family and friends, after a courageous and inspiring battle with pancreatic cancer. She refused to let cancer define her life and maintained an active, loving, and caring spirit throughout her final days. Jackie is survived by the following family members: her husband of almost 22 years, Gary A. Thomas of Clearwater, FL; children Jennifer Patterson of Palm Harbor, Jeffrey Patterson and his wife Katie of Dunedin, and step-son Jonathan Thomas and his wife Stephanie of Palm Harbor; brothers William Hedglin of Saugatuck, MI and Paul Hedglin and his wife Mary of Largo; mother-in-law Helen Thomas of Largo; sister-in-law Janice Blaine of Clearwater; brother-in-law Rollen Thomas and his wife Myrna of Tallahassee; and numerous aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. Jackie was preceded in death by her parents Jack and Lucille Hedglin and her older sister Shirley McPherson.

Jackie was born in Douglas, MI on August 23, 1952. Her parents operated the Shady Shore Motel in Saugatuck, MI and in 1965 purchased Lake View Trailer Park in Seminole, FL where the family would spend part of the year. Jackie attended schools in both Michigan and Florida, graduating from Saugatuck High School in 1970. She worked at various jobs in Saugatuck in the resort business. She later moved to Grand Rapids and then Ann Arbor, MI where she worked in the medical staff office of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and later for general surgeons of the Hoshal, Schaub and Jordon practice. While working Jackie took courses at a local community college.

Jackie moved to Florida in 1984 with her former husband, Bill Patterson, and continued to work in the medical field for various doctors and groups as a transcriptionist, medical collections clerk, and office manager. She started her own medical transcription business in 1995 with various clients through the years—her longest partnership spanning 23 years with Dr. Cesar Lara. Jackie had fingers of lightning on an electric typewriter and later on computer keyboards, wearing the letters off keyboards in months flat. She knew and could spell all medical terms as well as the various pharmaceutical drug names. Family and friends called her “Dr. Jackie” and they would call her to inquire what might be wrong, what questions they should ask their doctor, and what advice she had to help them until they could get to their doctor’s appointment. Jackie’s diagnosis was almost always confirmed.

Jackie loved the water and the beach, especially the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Michigan. If she couldn’t be there, she was happy in any lake, river, pool, or taking a ride on a boat. She always had a house full of animals—having dogs, tolerating gerbils when her kids were small and caring for three cats that came home with the children but stayed behind when the children were long gone. Phatty, Oreo, and Peanut were her constant kitty companions for the last 17, 15, and 6 years respectively.

Jackie was a great cook making even healthy meals taste delicious. She loved cooking for family and friends as well as entertaining large gatherings of people in her home—the more the merrier. She made it look effortless and was happy to give you any recipe, which never tasted as good as when she made it. There are few in this world that could clean and organize like her. Jackie’s home was always spotless yet always felt comfortable and inviting. Everyone depended on her to plan trips, events, and happenings. She planned her 40th High School Reunion, and then was unable to attend due to her surgery. Jackie was the glue that kept both family and groups of friends in touch and together.

Jackie had an extensive network of friends wherever she went. Once you met Jackie, you loved her. As one friend said, “everybody wants to be with Jackie”. Her smile, laughter and presence were contagious and she could relate to diverse groups of people of any age. She organized and hosted many gatherings that were filled with classic-rock music, a few glasses of wine, dancing without reservation, telling lots of stories, and laughing until your sides hurt. She also was the one people sought when they needed some quiet time to talk about their hurts or dreams needing some of Jackie’s sage advice.

All that knew her will miss Jackie’s presence in their lives. She was the best kind of friend a person could ask for, the most nurturing and loving person a family member could ever hope for, and the most exquisite wife a person could ever imagine. A celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, February 20th, 2:00 pm at Anona United Methodist Church, 13233 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL, with a reception to follow. A second gathering is being planned for June 11 in Saugatuck, MI with details to follow. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to your local animal shelter or to your favorite charity so that her loving spirit can be shared with others.

Condolences may be offered at www.serenityfuneralhomelargo.com.