JAMIE WELCH

1959 - 2015

Jamie Lynne Welch January 18, 1959 - September 29, 2015 Daughter of Don Scalara and Donna Stevenson-Turlis, Jamie was born into a loving Italian family. In the early years, she spent much time with her Grandmother Teresa, who instilled Catholic values and the importance of family from a young age. Jamie attended Wilson High School and then studied at the University of Puget Sound (UPS), ultimately graduating from the University of Washington. Jamie earned her Bachelor of Science and practiced as a dental hygienist for many years. While at UPS, Jamie and Gregg spent much time together, eventually falling in love, and were married on May 15, 1982. On their second anniversary, Jamie gave birth to her eldest son Barrett. Andrew was born three and a half years later. As parents Jamie and Gregg led by example, instilling in their children those same Catholic values and demonstrating the importance of family from a young age. They ensured the best education possible for their children, encouraging them to work hard and achieve their utmost potential. Always a concerned and loving mother, Jamie cared not only for her family, but never hesitated to help others in need. Jamie's faith, nurtured by her grandmother and parents, was humble and strong - a faith she shared with Gregg and which they passed onto their children. Her relationship with Christ, through Mary, had a very special impact on those she met, and she touched the lives of many, especially those friends with whom she shared her journey of faith. Jamie retired from dental hygiene to raise her two sons. One of her most significant accomplishments was founding a Catholic book and gift store to serve the community. In retirement she helped manage the family's real estate holdings, and gave generously of her time to many organizations, including Catholic Charismatic Renewal, 40 Days for Life, and serving as Eucharistic Minister. Jamie treasured spending time with her family and friends - hosting family gatherings, large holiday meals, teaching her sons to cook and cooking family meals together, boating, waterskiing (on the glassy waters of Home Bay and Priest Lake), summer pool parties, vacationing, hosting book club, and going on pilgrimage to Lourdes, Medjugorje and other holy places. Jamie has gone home now, into the presence of God and the loving embrace of Christ and His Holy Mother, her grandparents, her father Don, uncle John, aunts Mary, Eleanor, Marion, and Jean, and all of her family and friends who have been called home by the Lord; she is at peace and we must find consolation in the hope of the Resurrection. She is survived by Gregg, her husband of over 33 years, her sons Barrett and Andrew, and her mother Donna (Chris), who all miss her dearly. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, October 9, 2015, 11:00am, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1001 North J Street, Tacoma, WA. Rosary will be recited Thursday, October 8, 2015, 7:00pm, also at St. Patrick's. Entombment Calvary Cloisters. The family suggests memorials to the Bellarmine Jesuit Community in lieu of flowers. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003