Jacqueline Scharpegge

It is with deepest regret to announce the passing of Jackie Islay Scharpegge (Calderwood). Jackie passed suddenly on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at her home in Calgary, Alberta. Jackie is lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Diane Anderson (Doug Anderson), Jennifer (Cam) Jackson, Cindy (Jeff) Gross; her grandchildren, Justin, Steven, Nicholas, Seth & Paige; and her brothers & sisters, Tessa, Veronica, Andrew and David who loved her dearly and will miss her tremendously. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 51 years, John William Scharpegge (2017).

Jackie grew up in Cheshire, England, she and her family moved to East Sussex when she was 19 years old. Jackie wanted to pursue a career in nursing, when she won a Midwifery award at the St. Thomas Hospital in London, she found her place. Canada, particularly British Columbia, needed nurses. Jackie along with her best friend came to BC to continue her nursing career in 1962. This was where she would meet her future husband (John) in Princeton, BC. They married in 1964 and lived in the BC Okanagan Valley until 1979, at which time they moved to Calgary, Alberta and have been there ever since. Jackie was a special, strong woman who had an innate ability to love and care about people she barely knew.  She was a nurse in the maternity ward for many years and in her later years took care of a senior lady who became very fond of Jackie and much to Jackie’s surprise, included her in her will. She was a long-standing member of Al-Anon where she helped countless people overcome extreme hardships. Jackie was a listener.  She touched many people in this group. Al-Anon was an enormous part of Jackie’s life for over 40 years. Jackie also enjoyed birding with her birding group “Friends of Fish Creek”. Jackie loved animals of all kinds and they loved her. Jackie had a calming nature about her, there is no doubt this is what made her a wonderful nurse, wife & mom. Jackie loved spending time with her daughters & grandchildren.  She was a going concern, never sitting idol, always on the go, bike riding, walking and visiting with many people on her journeys as possible.  We could all learn from her innocent, genuine curiosity for people and their lives. Due to COVID-19 there will be no Service for Jackie at this time, but the family will contact family and friends to confirm arrangements to celebrate her life at a later date.