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Jackie Der Obituary
Jackie Der lived 61 years full of love for family and friends. From school days to her last days in a hospice center her feisty spirit showed. Jackie's life may have been taken by cancer on 3/2/2015 but her spirit lives in those she loved and in whose lives she touched.
Jackie grew up in Oakland, CA. the youngest of 6 children. She attended Yale University where she met and began a 42-year love affair with her husband, Alan.
Jackie earned a law degree from George Washington University and dedicated her career to public service at the federal, state, city, and university level. Jackie served as Director of Medical Policy Affairs for the UW's School of Medicine for 20+ years working in Olympia for affordable health care and quality medical services. She also served on the Wing Luke Museum board of directors for 11 years.
She found her joy in time she spent with her beloved daughter Katie, long walks, trips to Decatur Island, sighting whales, memories of Paris and other adventures, gardening, cuddling, and time with family and friends.
Jackie is survived by her husband: Alan Painter; her daughter Katie; her siblings: Susie, Dennis, Margaret, and Della; as well as extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Jackie's life will be held on Saturday, March 28 at 4:00 PM at the Mercer Island Community Center, 8236 SE 24th Street. In lieu of flowers Jackie's spirit would best be honored by contributions to the Wing Luke Asian Museum or Harborview Medical Center.
Jackie's on-line Guest Book is available at www.Legacy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jackie Der
Sponsored by The Family.
David Loud
April 3, 2015
Deepest condolences to Alan, Katie and all Jackie's loved ones. While I didn't see Jackie much in recent years outside of places we went for work, I always felt a special connection with her whenever we did see each other. She was always so warm and welcoming.
Our friendship grew out of my close association with Alan, Sen. Magnuson's staffer, in the campaign to save the US Public Health Service Hospital system through 1981 and especially after that when Alan returned to Seattle and helped make something good out of what became Pacific Medical Center. Alan and Jackie: What a wonderful union of great minds and hearts. Jackie certainly left this world a better place.
My spouse Thu-Van Nguyen and I were glad to have attended Jackie's life celebration. We hope that before too long your grief gives up ever more room for gratitude for Jackie's life and all it made possible.
April 1, 2015
Hello to Jackie's Family - I didn't know Jackie well. She first approached me when my husband was in his final days, suffering from Hepatitis C. He'd had a liver transplant at UWMC, and sadly, the Hep C was destroying his new liver. He died nine years ago.
Ever after, on the rare occasions when Jackie would see me at various meetings and events, she seemed to always have a special warmth and empathy in her smile and her eyes. It meant so much to me.
These partners are passing on much too soon. I know only too well how hard it is to not have these dear ones present any longer. I also know how grateful we can be that they were such a huge part of our lives.
My heart is with you at this time.
Warmest regards, Deborah Swets
Peggy Fine
March 28, 2015
Thank you for the gift of Jackie's life. May she rest in peace
Dewey Potter
March 28, 2015
I was so, so sorry to learn of Jackie's passing. She was unfailingly bright, friendly, professional and a delight to be around. Please accept my sincere condolences, Alan and Katie.
March 27, 2015
Dear Alan - I will always remember Jackie as such a beautiful, warm, and gracious person. She always had a kind word and her generous spirit will be forever known. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
With my heartfelt sympathy, Jill Nishi
Harolynne Bobis
March 26, 2015
Jackie was a great friend and a wonderful person. I'm so sorry she is gone. I loved her sense of humor and I'm smiling now just thinking of it.
Diane and Rich Sugimura
March 23, 2015
Dear Alan and Katie ...
We are saddened by your loss. That smile is what we will always remember, plus her caring ways, deep sensitivities, always inquiring about how others are doing.
Lori Grassi
March 22, 2015
Thank you for sharing Jackie with us. Jackie was always so kind and supportive through so many discussions of policy and life. In the past year we shared close conversations of cancer and its affect on families, the community and the world. I shared with her my riding of Obliteride, a Fred Hutch Cancer Center fundraiser for research, and I promised to dedicate the August 2015 ride in her honor. I wish she could meet me at the finish line. Warmest thoughts to you.
Lori Bielinski Grassi
March 22, 2015
Dear Alan,
I worked with Jackie for a couple of years, but we shared nice moments in City Hall. I always enjoyed her positive outlook and warm smile , she was a dear friend and coworker. I am so sorry for her passing. Best wishes to you and your daughter.
Elsie Crossman
March 21, 2015
Dear Alan:
It has been a long time. However, Charlie happened to hear about Jackie's death through UW channels and I wanted to reach out and send you and your daughter best wishes. Sorry for your loss.
Marcie Rubardt
John Sutherland
March 20, 2015
I was so sad to hear of Jackie's passing. Jackie was a supportive and wonderful colleague of mine in the school of medicine. I have nothing but respect and fond memories of Jackie. I will miss our conversations.
Jeri Rowe-Curtis
March 19, 2015
Dear Alan and Katie:
For as long as Jackie and I have known each other we have talked health care policy, politics and academic affairs. However, her greatest laughter, her biggest smiles and her most sincere pride came when she boasted about the two of you! Katie, you will always be the light of her life...she was so very proud of you and all you have accomplished. She thought deeply about your education, your career plans, your boyfriends and more! Alan, you must know how Jackie adored you and always will. Her warmth, her sincerity, her compassion, her dedication, her love of life will be with you forever in your hearts. Keep her memories alive, keep her laughter close and talk often about the funny things she would say and do. I will forever miss my dear sweet friend and colleague.....
My warmest thoughts are with you both.
Jeri Rowe-Curtis
Martha Lindley
March 16, 2015
Oh Katie, how your Mom loved you and wanted to be with you for many, many more years. She was so proud of you and how you have become such a wonderful, caring and loving person. Alan, you were her anchor and the love of her life. I have lost a dear friend; you have lost even more. I am sorry.
Rachel Sorokin Goff
March 15, 2015
Alan and Katie,
Jackie was a remarkable woman with a laugh that lit up any room. She was strong and warm and wise. The deep love and devotion between the three of you was wonderful to watch.
March 13, 2015
I was sad to learn of Jackie's passing. She was such a warm, gentle, thoughtful person and treated everyone she met with kindness and grace. We worked together at the University of Washington and she was a true colleague and friend. I enjoyed her sense of humor and her lovely smile. My thoughts and prayers are with Alan and Katie. Rest in peace, Dear Jackie. Love, Peggy Fine
Marcie Maxwell
March 12, 2015
Thinking of you, Alan and family, as you treasure the love and memories of a wonderful lady. I've appreciated Jackie's kindness and guidance in our community and legislative efforts, and remember her always with a bright smile.
March 12, 2015
Jackie was a calm spirit in a chaotic environment. I loved catching up with her on the Capitol campus, to be reminded that friendships and family are a safe harbor. Alan and Katie, you are are in my prayers.
Jackie with COP group for the holidays!
Laurel le Noble
March 12, 2015
Dear Alan and Katie,
I can't say enough about how much I will miss Jackie. During those longs days during the legislative session she provided joy, laughter and friendship. Please accept my heartfelt sorrow and hugs in her passing. We are all blessed with her memory.
March 12, 2015
Dear Alan, our hugs and love to you and Katie. Frank and Felicita
March 11, 2015
Alan and Katie,
We are deeply saddened by your loss. Jackie demonstrated such courage over the last year. I was impressed by her concern that her illness not burden others, especially her family. After one of my visits, she was going to nap so that she had the energy to go to a baseball game with Alan.
We all lost a dear friend who always carried herself with grace.
Love, Cheryl and Walter
Erica Jonlin
March 11, 2015
I was terribly saddened and shocked to hear of Jackie's passing. I had the good fortune to meet Jackie when I went to Olympia in the late 1990's to speak to legislators about a bill that would have impacted science at UW. Jackie was so knowledgeable and helpful in getting me prepared for that. Jackie also gave my middle school son encouragement on his legislative aspirations. What a giving, delightful person. Jackie and I talked about issues, about being from the Bay Area. . . I wish we had had more time together. My heart-felt condolences go out to Jackie's family.
Frank Jose
March 10, 2015
I can still hear Jackie's laugh and playful chiding at Christmas and Thanksgiving when Katie and I clowned around. Or Jackie holding firmly onto my shoulders, looking down only at the trail as we crossed "the cat walk" on Kendal Peak, conquering her fear of the drop-off. A special woman who is greatly missed. Condolence Alan and Katie.
Ken Bertrand
March 10, 2015
Jackie was always a smiling friend who was a compliment and a competitor when working for affordable health care coverage for all. I always enjoyed working with her.
Toni Long
March 9, 2015
Dear Alan & Katie,
I am deeply saddened by our loss of dear Jackie. She was a trusted personal friend and UW colleague for 20+ years...one of those special people you are grateful is in your life. Her love and kindness will live on in those lives she touched. My thoughts are with you both.
March 9, 2015
We worked together in Olympia and elsewhere in Jackie's lobbying capacity. We drove down to the legislature from W. Seattle a few times and shared some parenting stories along the way. I was shocked to hear of her death. Her friends will miss her a great deal. Robb Menaul
Heather Marx
March 9, 2015
Alan, you are in my thoughts. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Pam O'Brien
March 9, 2015
Alan & Katie,
I was so very saddened to read of Jackie's passing in yesterday's paper. She was a powerful force of energy, and her passionate commitment to her family, friends, and to her work was exemplary. We often rode the bus together and she would speak about you both. I hope you find comfort in knowing her fierce love and pride in you was evident in her every interaction. My deepest condolences to you, and to her family and friends.
March 9, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear of your dear wife's passing, Alan. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rhonda Berry
March 9, 2015
Dear Alan and Katie,
I was so sorry to hear of Jackie's passing. I didn't know her well, but what I do know is that whenever we met she greeted me warmly and enthusiastically, as if we were old friends. I always heard such wonderful things about her! Many family members, friends, and our community at large share your grief. Our world was made better by Jackie's presence in it.
March 9, 2015
Jackie had a presence and spirit which stays with me.
Dr. Ben Danis
March 9, 2015
To family & friends - Jackie was a loving person who recognized the needs of even the smallest group of individuals. Her assistance to the developmental disabilities population will long be remembered and appreciated. Terri Anderson VOR
March 9, 2015
Dear Alan & Katie,
I am deeply saddened to learn of Jackie's passing.
Jackie was truly a good person. She was one of the smartest and most thoughtful, trusted, supportive professional colleague I have known. She will be greatly missed.
May happy memories of your life together and the recognition of her great efforts to advance health care and justice for all support you now and the years ahead.
Toni Lysen
March 8, 2015
To the family and friends of Jackie Der,
Jackie was a sweet and loving soul. She and I worked together on medical issues from 1987 - 2000. The Representative for whom I worked was the Chairman of the Higher Education Committee, and Jackie would stop by every so often to brief both him and me on the UW's current needs. She was very thorough and forthright in explaining the UW's policies and positions; she was very successful at her job.
We shared family news back and forth and often spoke of our children. Whenever I saw her approaching my desk, I knew I was in for a valuable chat with an old friend. She was like that and it seemed she was liked by everyone.
I feel honored to have known Jackie, and to have worked with her. I'm so sorry that you 'lost' her so soon. I will miss her, too.
Judy Henson
March 8, 2015
Dear Alan and Katie,
Jackie has been a wonderful colleague of mine and family friend to both of us for many years. She was a brilliant advocate with an amazing grasp of complicated health policy issues. I loved working with on issues big and small. I never wanted to be on the opposite side of Jackie. We have always valued her friendship and spirit so much. I feel so lucky to have had a bit of time with her on Decatur last summer. Her courage, smile and resilience were radiant. When I hugged her I didn't want to let go. My heart goes out to you. We miss her.
Pam MacEwan
John Burbank
March 8, 2015
Jackie was a trusted, supportive and valued colleague in Olympia for many legislative sessions. Her presence and influence in the health care field will long be missed. -- Seth Dawson
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