Jaqueline "Jackie" Mae Wagoner's Obituary
Jacqueline “Jackie” Wagoner danced her way through life and on August 26, 2025, she took her final bow in Lakewood, Washington, surrounded by love and memories that will echo forever.
Born in Tacoma, Washington, on August 3, 1940, Jackie came from a proud lineage of longshoremen and pioneers. Her family’s journey westward on the Oregon Trail to settle in Ellensburg before planting roots in Tacoma was a testament to their grit and spirit—qualities Jackie carried with grace and fire.
A graduate of Lincoln High School, Jackie was never one to sit still. In her youth, she was the life of every party, the sparkle in every room. Whether she was dancing on tables or sharing laughter over late-night meals with friends, Jackie lived with a fearless zest that made every moment feel like a celebration.
Jackie's heart beat wildly for music. Elvis Presley was her king, but she also swayed to the sounds of Eddie Rabbitt, Boston, The Beatles, and the timeless twang of Johnny Cash. Even in her later years, Jackie couldn’t resist the rhythm—she’d dance with her walker and oxygen tank like they were just accessories to her joy.
Jackie found delight in the quiet too. She devoured crossword puzzles and steamy romance novels with equal passion, always curious, always dreaming. She adored animals, especially her beloved cockatoo Freddy, and never went long without a loyal dog by her side.
But above all, Jackie’s greatest love was her son, Brian. She cherished him with a depth and devotion that shaped her every day. Her heart expanded even more when she welcomed Amber, Brian’s fiancée, into her life—adoring her as if she’d always been part of the family.
Jackie Wagoner was a woman of fire and tenderness, grit and grace. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, music, and unconditional love. Her story is stitched into the fabric of the Pacific Northwest, into the hearts of those who knew her, and into every beat of a good old rock ’n’ roll song.
Dance on, Jackie. The music never stops.
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