GOODYEAR, ARIZONA – Mrs. Jacquelyn H. Waln of Goodyear Arizona, passed to rest in the Lord on April 4, 2025.
She was born in Lingle to proud parents, Irvin and Anna Hoitsma. From her earliest days, she was tapping her foot and singing along with the music her mother played on the piano. At age five, she had her first public appearance in church, singing “Jesus Loves Me”. This began a long life of musical service. She sang for Lion’s Club, Job’s Daughters, countless weddings, special events, and competitions. In 1950, she competed and won the honor of Miss Goshen County in her beloved state of Wyoming. She sang the beautiful solo piece, “Let All My Life Be Music” for the event. Jackie attended the University of Wyoming, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1955. On July 10, 1955, she married the love of her life, Robert Waln.
The early glimmer of their romance began in Sunday School at age seven. Their friendship and romance blossomed and grew in the school band where Jackie played drums and Bob played saxophone. All throughout their lives and almost 70 years of marriage, Bob and Jackie were blessed with a large circle of family and friends, a full life in California, and eight years of retired life in Arizona.
They moved to California in 1959 and raised their children. Jackie served actively in church, singing in the choir and directing the children’s cherub choir. One notable year, she took on the daunting task of teaching Silent Night in the original language of German to the cherub choir. It was very educational for all! She also enthusiastically served on worship committee, as Deacon, and as flower chart organizer, Christmas poinsettia coordinator, Easter palm cross maker, communion bread baker, and bulletin proofreader.
In her professional life, she worked for many years as a Braille transcriber for the school district. She served on the Job’s Daughters council while her daughter was active with that organization. In addition, she and Bob were tirelessly active with Band Boosters as their children excelled in musical activities. As a family, they enjoyed Little League, Scouts, decorating Rose Parade floats, road trips, music, church activities, friends and family.
She is survived by her husband, Bob, her daughter, Elizabeth, and her son, Scott. She is proceeded in death by her parents.
Jackie lived a life of elegant service. She believed that it is important to be beautiful inside and out. And, that your words and actions can make a big difference in the world. During the years in California, she would never divulge her age, even to her closest friends. It was a well kept mystery and a source of humor among her friends for years. Though convention dictated, at the time, that it was inappropriate to ask a woman’s age; perhaps, we can take a cue from Mom. -When you were born is not nearly as important as how well you lived. You lived well, Mom. Rest well now, in God’s Peace.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ Presbyterian Church – The Traditional Choral Department, 925 N. Sarival Avenue, Goodyear, Arizona 85338.
