Jacoy (Jackie) Whitesides Sawyer
July 19, 1934 - March 6, 2024
We joyfully celebrate the life of Jacoy (Jackie) Whitesides Sawyer, a remarkable soul whose journey on this earth came to a peaceful close on March 6, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Born on July 19, 1934 to Effie Simpson Whitesides and Heber John (Jack) Whitesides, Jackie's zest for life and her love for all that sparkled propelled her on adventures across the globe, embracing the world's beauty with the same intensity that she carried in her heart.
Jackie's life was rich with love, laughter, and an unwavering spirit of generosity. As an accomplished tennis player and golfer in her prime, she navigated life's challenges and joys with grace and resilience. Jackie's heart was as vast as the journeys she embarked upon, always ready to extend support to everyone she encountered.
Her beloved husband, Robert (Bob) Sawyer, whom she dearly missed, predeceased Jackie in 1979. Yet, her capacity for love never diminished, as evidenced by her sincere connections with her family and her cherished dogs, Emma Elizabeth and the late Abbi.
Jackie's rich legacy of love and boundless adventure lives on through her loving children, Thom Sawyer and Victoria Tolman; cherished grandchildren, Melisa Griffith and Rachel Foster; great-grandchildren, Macklen, Bruher, and Finley; esteemed sisters, Sherry Olsen and Liz Bagley; the memory of her brother, John Michael Whitesides; nieces and nephews, Kristen Morely, Hannah Bagley, Heather and JJ Whitesides, Bob and Jack Olsen; her in-laws, Mike Shuping, Mark Tolman, Ben Steward, Rick Bagley, and the memory of Robert (Bob) Olsen; along with a constellation of friends and loved ones who saw in her an endless source of inspiration.
In keeping with Jackie's lifelong compassion for animals, the family suggests that donations be made in her memory to the Humane Society of Utah. This gesture celebrates Jackie's enduring love for all living beings, especially dogs, and her wish to contribute positively to their welfare.
Jackie will be laid to rest in the Kaysville Cemetery next to her late husband. We invite everyone who cherished Jackie to honor her by embracing the joys of relationships and life as fervently as she did. Let us reflect on the laughter, the adventures, and the profound connections Jackie gifted us, ensuring her extraordinary spirit continues to inspire and guide us.
Jackie's journey was a radiant celebration, marked not just by the glitter and gold she cherished but by the fiery spirit that made her a truly unforgettable force. Her legacy is a vivid reminder to all of us to seek the sparkle in every moment, to embrace life's zest, and to live with the brightness and spicy vitality that she shared so generously.
In Loving Memory
We send our sincere love and condolances to the family. We love Jackie She was everthing you said in her obituary and a wonderful friend to us. We are so glad our paths crossed and for her goodness and friendship. Two memories: Her delicous cookies with Andes Mints were one of our favorites. Then she started eating healthier and quit making them. Then meeting her on our walks around Brookstone and vsting with her and her beloved and darling dog. She was a marvelous woman. She will be missed.
Win Peterson
Murray, UT
Happy to see you were able to spend many years with Jackie. I also remember her spunk when working on issues with her Buick. Jeff Jessup
Jeff Jessup
Bountiful, UT
To my second family: You know that I love you all, but Jackie and I shared a special bond and I will always cherish the memories that we shared. We were roomies together on so many Christmas vacations, and some of those memories can only be shared among us. Those who were present will forever remember the fan dance! Jackie never failed to remind me of that famous trip. We shared many long talks and I am so happy that I was able to spend so much time with her in this last year, especially. I will love and miss her forever and I thank you for sharing her with me.❤️
Eve Mary Verde
Murray, UT
For many years in the 60s-70s-80s, I had the good fortune of working with the Sawyer family as the landscape and grounds manager of their condominium projects at the mouth of Emigration Canyon in Salt Lake City. Bob and Jackie made us feel like family in many ways. They were terrific people that I have respected all of my life - thankful for my association with them. Jackie was a wonderful mother and friend.
Steven Grant
Centerville, UT