Jacqueline L. Kilgren Died March 28, 2020

Jacqueline L. Kilgren

Died March 28, 2020

NORTHPORT – Jacqueline (Jackie) Lou Kilgren, 78, of Northport, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2020 at Cherry Hill Haven Assisted Living with her loving family at her side.

Jackie was born on April 25, 1941 in Greenville, MI, to Rosellen Somers.  She lived with Rosellen and her stepfather, Raymond Brainard.  On June 19, 1965 in Greenville, she married Douglas D. Kilgren who survives.  Jackie is also survived by her son, John D. Kilgren.

Jackie graduated and earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University with the Class of 1964. She taught in Muskegon and Mendon Community Schools.  Jackie and Doug eventually settled near Shelby, MI, and started their family.  The remainder of her 34-year career was spent at Shelby Public Schools where she taught art, journalism and mentored the yearbook staff.  On the off months of teaching, Jackie, Doug, and John would travel the Great Lakes, sailing on their boat Great Expectations – Jackie named the sailboat and referred to their dingy as “Little Dickens”.

During these travels, the family sailed into Northport and were stuck in port due to a rainstorm.  Jackie walked around town and saw a house that caught her eye.  Jackie and Doug bought the home and summered in Northport.  In retirement, they settled in Northport and Jackie was active in substitute teaching at Northport Schools.  In the community, she would design and decorate sets for the Community Arts Center, was president of the Northport Area Heritage Association, and was a member of the Trinity Church of the United Church of Christ of Northport.

With retirement, Jackie and Doug spent summers in Michigan and winters in Florida.  They enjoyed the panhandle of Florida, spending time at St. George Island and Destin.  Over the course of retirement, the two traveled far and wide; together they went as far north as Alaska, as far east as Russia, around the southern tip of Cape Horn and to Australia in the west.

Jackie is survived her husband of fifty-four years, Doug, and her son, John Kilgren.  She is survived by two brothers-in-law, three sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Raymond Brainard Jr.

A celebration of Jackie’s life will be announced this coming summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association, 921 W. 11^th Street, Suite 1, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please share condolences with Jackie’s family below or on our Facebook page.