Obituary of Jaclyn Robb

Age 79 of Minneapolis, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 21, 2023.

She was preceeded in death by her parents Bernie and Be Vartdal and brother Gary Vartdal.

Jackie is survived by her loving husband Jerry Robb, sister Marlene Meyer (Tom) of CA, children Tim and Sarah Robb, Dan and Kris Robb, Jennifer and Jereme Miller, and grandchildren: Nick, Brooke, Jack, Sydney and Luke.

Jackie was born and raised in Minneapolis and lived there her entire life. She was a Girl Scout, a member of Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, attended Washburn High School and then Minnesota School of Business. Jackie worked at State Auto Insurance before marrying her childhood bestie on September 24, 1966. Shortly after, Jackie and Jerry started their family.

After becoming a mother, Jackie opened an in home daycare which allowed her to work and be home with her children. Jackie was a natural caregiver and love flowed through her effortlessly. Many times the children she cared for would cry when their parents would come to pick them up because they loved our Mom so much. So many of Jackie’s “daycare kids“ have reached out to express what a profound impact she had on them and how she truly helped to shape their lives and character.

Our mom was the glue of our family. She relished in family gatherings and picnics out at Lake Sylvia. She loved keeping in touch with people and keeping everyone updated on the latest news in each family. Some of our most cherished family memories include spending time at Lake Sylvia with her sister Marlene, brother in law Tom and nieces Michelle and Jodi and their families. Mom loved to float in the lake on rafts, loved laying in the sun and was always up for a pontoon ride that included honey roasted peanuts and 7and7’s. Her heart was the fullest when she had her entire family around her.

Jackie was a loyal friend and caregiver to so many. Our mom usually had a phone tree of no less than 5 people that she spoke to daily on the phone. Before the days of call waiting, it was not uncommon to get a busy signal for hours at a time when trying to reach her. Jackie helped care for several elderly and sick neighbors in their time of need. She would regularly walk over to check on them, bring them food and make sure they had what they needed. She never wanted anyone to feel alone or unloved. She was the Mother Theresa of Newton Avenue.

Jackie’s highest and most profound accomplishment in life was being a mother and a grandmother. Nothing was more important to her than loving and supporting her kids and grandkids. She selflessly, tirelessly and effortlessly gave herself to us 100% of the time. Always going out of her way to make us feel special, our mom created so many magical and lasting memories for us. She always intuitively knew when to provide a loving touch, a stern talking to, a supportive nudge or an inquisitive conversation to help guide us. Our mom was totally selfless, a complete gem and someone whose love made you instantly feel at home.

To say we will miss her is an understatement. We have all been profoundly changed by this loss and we know life will never be the same. We will miss her great hugs, her blue eyes, talking with her every day, her fabulous cooking and most of all our deep connection with her. There just aren’t words to describe what she meant to us and how it felt to be in her presence. Our mom was the best person we’ve ever known and will ever know in our lifetime.

We love you, Mom and we look forward to being with you again in Heaven!

In her honor, we will be hosting a Celebration of Life open house with light refreshments on Thursday May 4th from 3-6pm at the Cremation Society of Minnesota in Edina.  We would love to see you there!

Please send memorials to Cathedral of the Pines Camp care of Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.