Jackie Minardi
February 2, 1927 - February 17, 2020
Obituary
Jacqueline Mae Sandstrom was born February 2, 1927 in Alexandria, South Dakota, the only child of Harg Sandstrom and Alyce (Gust) Sandstrom. Jackie passed peacefully in Tacoma on February 17th, 2020.
In 1940, Jackie and her parents followed other members of the Gust family in their migration west, seeking better employment opportunities and a more prosperous life. The Sandstrom family’s first home and business was a chicken farm on the center of Vashon Island, Washington. Eventually Jackie’s father became a property manager for Lloyd Raab on Vashon, a position that he continued until his retirement. Jackie graduated from Vashon High School in 1945, where she was interested in athletics and music. She continued to reside on Vashon Island until her marriage to Kenneth Langland in 1955.
Jackie’s career in US government service began after high school and continued until her retirement from the Army Corp of Engineers in 1987 about the time of her husband’s diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Jackie lost Ken to this disease in 1990, after 35 years of marriage.
Jackie and Ken’s married life included lots of Sandstrom and Langland family time, dinner parties and bridge games with friends and frequent travel, including Europe and The Middle East. Jackie’s life was also enriched by the presence of many beloved pets.
After 5 years a widow, Jackie met and eventually married Joe Minardi. They first lived in Gig Harbor, then Lake Havasu City, until their separation in 2002.
Jackie then relocated back to the Seattle area, where she spent her remaining years. She continued to enjoy shopping, playing bridge, and decorating the various homes that she bought and sold. Her final residence was at Judson Park Retirement Community, where she lived independently while thoroughly enjoying the last years of her life.
Jackie is survived by Gust cousins Earl, Rod and Janice and her Sandstrom cousins Sandy, Shirley, Mardell and Lloyd. In addition, Jackie leaves Langland sisters-in-laws June, Mary Lou and Maxine, as well as 9 nieces and nephews. Memorials are suggested to the ALS Association.
Donations may be made in Jackie’s name to the ALS Association at http://www.alsa.org/donate/
