Jacqueline Arlene Leek

Longtime Palmer resident Jacqueline Arlene Leek, 66, passed away September 9, 2016 at the Alaska Regional Hospital from complications of open-heart surgery.

Ms. Leek was born July 26, 1950 in Palmer, Territory of Alaska to Lester “Jack” and Ferne Leek (Hecker). Jacqueline graduated from Palmer High School in May, 1969. During a trip outside in 1970 Jackie became ill and after returning home it was discovered she was going into renal failure. A year later she had a kidney transplant at the University of Washington in Seattle. Receiving a kidney from her mother Ferne. At the time of her passing she was believed to be the oldest living organ transplant recipient in the state of Alaska.

She graduated from Alaska Methodist University in Anchorage, Alaska in June 1975, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Following graduation, Jackie taught pre-school at Kee’s Day Care Center and kindergarten at Wee Care Children’s Center (both located in Anchorage), and 1st grade at Wasilla Christian School in Wasilla, AK.

Jackie was very active in both churches she attended. Palmer Church of Christ, then later at Wasilla Christian Church. She played the piano, taught Sunday school, and was the Director of Education and also Director of Women Ministries. She loved her Lord and serving him.

Jackie enjoyed music, reading, scrapbooking, watching baseball and spending time with her family and cats. She was a sweet, sensitive gentle spirit who was dedicated to her family and working for the Lord.

She is survived by her sister-in-law Mary Leek, nieces and nephews Nathalie Cerasuolo, Craig Leek, Jennie Wyatt and Wade. Grand nieces and nephews Rachel Morin and Willie Williams, Tony Morin, Nicole and Arnie Mead, Joey Cerasuolo, Baily Cerasuolo, John DeVries and Ty Wyatt. 11 Great-Grand nieces and nephews and last but not least, her beloved kitties, Rogeanna and Kiki.

Jacqueline was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Ferne Leek, brother Micheal “Mickey” Leek, sister Cheryl Ann DeVries (Leek) and niece Barbara Morin (DeVries).

A memorial service will be held on Oct. 1, 2016, 2 p.m at Palmer Christian Church, located at .5 Scott Road, Palmer, Alaska.