



1935
-
2022

Jacqueline June DeGroot, 87, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2022, in Longmont, CO surrounded by her family. Jackie was born in Bowdon, ND to Solomon and Leah (Hartman) Schimke. Her brother Gurmen Schimke and her sister-in-law Ila Faye preceded her in death, as did Don's father, Val Richard DeGroot. She is survived by her beloved son, Don DeGroot, her daughter-in-law Raquel, her granddaughters Zara and Lia DeGroot, and niece Erika Lorenz of ND.
Jackie was an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She worked as an educator, having earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Union College in Lincoln, NE, and Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI. She worked as Dean of Girls at several Seventh-day Adventist boarding schools, including Auburn Academy in Washington, Monterey Bay Academy in California, and Broadview Academy in Illinois. In addition, Jackie taught religious education at Broadview Academy and Calexico Mission School in California. She touched the lives of thousands of students during her decades-long career, many of who still recall the impact she made on their lives.
After her retirement, Jackie moved to San Manuel, AZ where she continued to serve her Oracle, AZ church, and San Manuel community until her move to Longmont in 2017 to be closer to her family. She enjoyed gardening, playing the piano and organ for her church and for her family and friends, and developing woodworking skills to make dozens of toys for her baby granddaughters.
She made lifelong friends everywhere she went, always delighted to reconnect after many years. She cherished her new friends at the Longmont Regent and the Mountain View SDA Church. She loved her cats, her last one, Penny (AKA Kitty), a Christmas gift from her granddaughters. Jackie will be remembered for her generosity, humor, and her commitment to her faith. She will be missed by many around the world.
Jackie requested there be no services held. In lieu of flowers or a memorial fund, please consider a donation to your local humane society or an act of generosity in your community or place of worship.