Jackie Oakley Obituary

Jacqueline (Jackie) Kay Oakley, age 83, passed away peacefully on July 7th, surrounded by the love and beauty of her favorite place-her home on Corey Lake in Three Rivers, MI.
Born on December 5, 1941, to the late Claude and Freeda Burks, Jackie grew up with a deep appreciation for family, friendship, and simple joys. On February 12, 1961, she married Don Oakley in Osceola, Indiana. They shared more than 50 years of marriage before his passing in 2013.
Jackie is survived by her son, Doug Oakley (Sara) of Carmel, IN; her daughter, Jill Tepe (Scott Scoville) of Bristol, IN; and six adored grandchildren: Alex Oakley (Shannon) of Clarksville, TN, Sam and Max Oakley of Carmel, IN, Derek Tepe of Kalamazoo, MI, Ross Tepe (Julie Nolan) of Richmond, VA, and Morgan Tepe (Nick Brinkworth) of London, England.
She is also lovingly remembered by her sister, Norma Vaughn (Carl Magee) of Elkhart, IN; her brother-in-law, Bob Kintner of Mishawaka, IN; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family. Jackie was preceded in death by her sister, Pat Sibert, of South Bend, IN.
Jackie and Don cherished their winters in Avon Park, Florida, where they cultivated many dear friendships. In later years, Jackie found comfort and joy in spending time in Naples with her sister Norma. But Corey Lake was always home. For over four decades, her cottage on the lake was a haven for family and friends. Her door was always open, her kitchen always warm, and her heart always giving. Her house overflowed-sometimes literally-with the laughter of children, the pawprints of dogs, and the joy of connection. Sleepovers with her grand-daughter Morgan were among some of her most special moments- chatting and laughing well into the summer nights.
Jackie had an eye for beauty, a love of antiques, and a flair for decorating. She was endlessly active-still mowing her lawn and raking leaves each fall with her neighbor Zach well into her 80s. She found peace in tending her flowers and pride in maintaining her home. Known for her boundless energy and selfless spirit, Jackie was the first to show up when someone needed a hand-whether it was to move boxes, clean a house, decorate a room, or simply offer encouragement.
Her legacy lives on in every life she touched, every home she helped brighten, and every corner of Corey Lake she made more beautiful.
In accordance with her wishes cremations has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at 11263 Lakeshore Drive, Three Rivers, MI 49093. There will be a time for tributes and memory sharing from family and friends at 3:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to, YMCA Camp Eberhart, 10481 Camp Eberhart Road, Three Rivers, MI 49093.
Ray Funeral Services, 305 Rock River Ave., Three Rivers, MI 49093,
269-278-1515 has been entrusted with Jackie's services. Please visit www.rayfuneralservices.com to gather and share in her memory.
Day is done, gone the sun, From the lake, from the hills, from the sky; All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
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