The impactful life of Jean Alice Moore Laakeri-Miller closed its final chapter on January 20, 2024, one day after her 96th birthday! She was at her residence in Roseburg, Oregon with family and friends when she passed peacefully following a brief hospital stay.
Jean was born January 19, 1928 in Renton Washington to Sylvia and Otto Moore and grew up in Maple Valley. She graduated from TaHoMa High School and was valedictorian of her class in 1946. Prior to attending Washington State University on a full year scholarship, she met Wesley Laakeri on a “blind” date. A marriage proposal led to a semester of college and a wedding in 1947!
Jean’s working career began as a secretary to the Seattle Branch Manager of Rexair Inc. in early 1947. From there her secretarial/managerial skills took her to the US Army Corps of Engineers, Boeing Airplane Co., and back to the Seattle District US Army Corps of Engineers. Always projecting a professional image she was appointed chief of the word processing branch and moved on to Chief of the Logistics Management Office. In that position her team participation included the West Seattle Freeway Bridge Resident Office, the Libby Dam dedication (where she met and shook hands with then President Gerald Ford) and assignments in the Design Branch, work with the Civilian Welfare Council, Federal Women’s Program and the Equal Employment Opportunity Council
After 27 years at the “Corps” Jean retired in January 1988 to spend more time with family and pursue her wide range of interests. She and Wes purchased property at Ocean Shores where they enjoyed the ocean beach, collecting shells, and clamming with family and friends. She continued her involvement at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church where she was a member for over 55 years, an influential choir member and volunteer for church activities.
Jean loved and was grateful for her trips to Europe with her close friend, Nancy Krall and sister, Nancy. She also experienced Hawaii with her son Brad and his wife, Tammy her sister Nancy and husband Lynwood. And let’s not forget Alaska, Reno and Las Vegas and Disneyland with grandchildren!!!
She loved going to Flea Markets where in addition collecting “red glass”; she would search for discarded dolls and give them new life by repairing faces, redoing hair, sewing clothes and creating new identities. There were over 250 she had named, shared with family and ultimately donated the majority for children at hospitals and daycare centers. Jean liked to garden, sing, play the piano and organ, and dance to the music of the 40’s and 50’s. She loved her Yorkie McCormack, having fun, being a wife and Mom, friend, caregiver, mentor and oh so much more!!!
Jean and Wes raised two sons, Patrick and Bradley during her working years. Her goal was to be tops in being a wife and mother. Their son Patrick died suddenly in 1983, and Wes passed away in 1995. In 1998 she married Robert (Bob) Miller, a classmate in the class of 1946. They moved to Camano Island where they spent 12 years enjoying the view, crabbing, volunteering and visits with family and friends! Bob passed in 2012 and Jean moved to Roseburg, Oregon where her son Brad and wife Tammy had moved. Her adventures there started with a lovely new home on their property and she was soon volunteering, antiquing, gardening, spending time with family and exploring the Roseburg area wine “fun”!
She was predeceased by her parents, Sylvia and Otto Moore, husband Wes, son Patrick, sister Nancy (Lynwood), brother Carl (Akiko) and husband Bob.
Jean is survived by her son Brad Laakeri, wife Tammy; sister Elizabeth Fallon husband George; grandchildren, Jason, Jacob (Miranda), Patrick, Crystal, Lisa, Jennifer, Devon, Jeanice; stepson Mike Miller (Dee); goddaughter Heidi and many nieces and nephews she held close.
Grateful and special thanks to Sandra Espy, her caregiver and close friend, Garden Valley Retirement Center, Beryl McClelland’s guidance and Bristol Hospice.
There was a memorial service in Roseburg in February, and there will be a celebration of life in the Seattle area in the Spring. Jean was especially fond of Make a Wish Foundation donations can be made there or to the charity of your choosing.
