Jamie Louise Westdal, Belvedere

Jamie (Belvedere) Westdal, born on June 20, 1951, in San Francisco, CA, to Giacomo (Jack) and Lucia (Lucille) Belvedere, passed away at her home on February 15, 2024. Raised in Oakland, she was the youngest of three daughters and attended St. Elizabeth High School, where she was crowned homecoming queen and formed lifelong friendships.

Jamie's life was a vibrant tapestry of connections, woven with creativity, warmth, love, laughter, and a passion for capturing memories.

Initially pursuing a nursing career, Jamie worked at the front desk in the labor and delivery unit at Alta Bates Hospital. Her path took a unique turn when she was inspired to photograph the poignant moments of pregnancy and childbirth, leading to a career in photography. She began photographing children at her daughter's preschool, which led to many more preschools hiring her. Her candid black-and-white portraits became highly sought after, prompting her to open her first photography studio in the back of her friend's toy store, Such a Business. Eventually, Jamie moved her studio to Orinda, CA, where Jamie Westdal Photography flourished. Known for her ability to make her subjects feel at ease, Jamie's work captured genuine, heartfelt moments that her clients treasured.

Her playful spirit drew her subjects in, helping them relax in front of the camera and resulting in candid, genuine moments. Her clients cherished not just the photos, but the experience of being photographed by her.

Her photography gained recognition, gracing the walls of homes across the Bay Area and appearing in publications such as The Berkeley Monthly and Parent's Press. Jamie's portfolio extended beyond children and families to include commercial work and publicity portraits, with notable subjects such as Bill and Hillary Clinton, Tipper Gore, John Glenn, John Madden, Regis & Kathie Lee, and Annie Leibovitz's family.

A self-proclaimed "crafty lady," Jamie found beauty everywhere and expressed her creativity through her unique style in clothing, jewelry, and home decor. She forged deep connections with fellow artists and often created her own versions inspired by their work, always channeling her artistic spirit.

Jamie's greatest passion was her family and friends. Known for her infectious laughter and ability to make everyone feel special, she was always surrounded by friends-whether at a dinner party, a book club meeting, or dancing at a Cajun dance hall. Weekends were filled with nature hikes, gardening, and cooking. Her friends remained devoted until the end, visiting her daily.

Jamie was deeply connected to her large Italian family, especially her sisters, Maryanne and Joey. They shared memorable trips to Italy, exploring their heritage, visiting relatives, cooking, and enjoying authentic Italian cuisine.

Her marriage to Larry Westdal (1945-2015) spanned 38 loving years. Together, they built a life rich with creativity, nature, and lively gatherings, raising their two daughters, Claire and Lauren, and Larry's son, Nils (whom Jamie lovingly referred to as her "summer son"). Jamie would call her daughters daily and visited frequently, always with pastries or fresh bread in hand. She was a devoted mother-in-law to Brooks, Jake, and Sara, and a doting grandmother to Cooper, Weston, Calder, Arden, and Wren. Known affectionately as "Sweet Tooth Nonni," she created lasting memories with her grandchildren through traditions like trips to Fentons, pie-baking, kitchen dance parties, snuggles, and lots of laughter.

Jamie Westdal's legacy is a testament to the power of connection and the beauty in the everyday. Her vibrant spirit and creative soul will be deeply missed by all who knew her.