Obituary of Jacquelyn Jean Ablin

Jacquelyn "Jackie" Jean Foster, of Plymouth, MN, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 2, 2024, at the age of 88. A celebration of her life will take place on Friday, September 27, with a 10 a.m. visitation and an 11 a.m. service at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, Brooklyn Park Chapel, located at 7835 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445.

Jackie was born on April 2, 1936, in Litchfield, Minnesota, to Lloyd (Bud) and Grace Foster. Growing up on farms managed by her father, Jackie developed an early love for animals that would remain with her throughout her life. She graduated from Buffalo High School in 1954 and soon after, in November 1956, married Manford "Art" Totzke. The couple had three children: Randy, Renee, and Peggy. Although her marriage to Art ended in 1970, Jackie continued to build a life filled with love, resilience, and an unshakable passion for the things she cherished.

Jackie was a woman of many talents and interests. In her youth, she was known for her love of the outdoors and horseback riding, often describing herself as a "tomboy." After high school, she worked at a veterinary clinic, where her compassion for animals blossomed further. As a young mother, she raised, showed, and trained Doberman pinschers, all while nurturing a beautiful garden and enjoying her love for music and art.

Dancing was one of Jackie's greatest joys. Whether it was ballroom, Salsa, Argentine Tango, Rumba, or East Coast Swing, Jackie was a sight to behold—quick on her feet, elegant, and full of life. Her love for animals was unmatched, often rescuing stray cats, dogs, and even the occasional turtle or insect in need. Jackie had a heart so big that she couldn't even harm a spider, preferring instead to gently release it outdoors, inspired by her love for the book Charlotte’s Web.

Her home was always filled with love often shared through the presence of her cherished pets. She often spoke of her childhood beloved horse ‘Cloud’ and her cherished collie ‘Dawn’. As a young mom, Jackie had a Pomeranian named ‘Joy’ who loved her but the kids not-so-much. Her Dobermans ‘Lisa’, ‘Liebchen Poop-a-ray’, ‘Candi-Apple’, and ‘Cha-Cha Catawba’, and her kitties ‘Tyee’, ‘Lady’ and ‘Milly’. Lastly, her beloved dog Daisy-May.

Jackie had an eye for beautiful things—she adored jewelry, wind chimes, knick-knacks, and figurines. Her baking, especially anything with chocolate, was a treat for all who knew her. She enjoyed puzzles, a good card game, and a roaring bonfire finished with a delicious smore. She also had a fondness for a good glass of wine, an occasional margarita, and on special occasions she loved a good White Russian.

Jackie had a deep appreciation for Native American art and imagery as well as wolves and eagles. Though she was not a fan of a camera, when she did pose for photos, she had a signature style—one leg out, a high-heeled sandal, an ankle sock, and one hand in her pocket. Her ever-changing hairstyles were a testament to her adventurous spirit, and her family will forever remember her ever-so-frequent expressions like "Oh Golly," "Oh Honestly," and "Oh For Pete’s Sake".

Jackie’s faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she found great comfort in her relationship with the Lord. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who touched the lives of all who knew her.

Jackie is survived by her children: Randy (Lanette) Totzke of Millville, MN; Renee (Chuck) Eidem of Crystal, MN; and Peggy (Steve) Besch of Huron, SD. She is also remembered fondly by her best friend and cousin, Constance (Joe) Cleary; her grandchildren, Lacy (Aaron) Hayes, Vanity Totzke, Charity (Nate) Pepin, Gabriel (Torie) Totzke, Daniel Totzke, Mason Totzke, Savanah (David) Walsh, Kolton (Caitlin) Heisler, Jamie (Tim) Eidem, Jacob Eidem, Nicole (Gerald) Ott, Jeffrey (Bridget) Woolridge, and Natalie (Tyler) Peterson; as well as her great-grandchildren, Ariyanna and Andrew Hayes, Dailah Rhodes, Kylie and Coleman Walden, Wesley and Cecelia Wiebusch, Charlotte and Ely Pepin, Oaklee and Wrenlee Totzke, Finley Totzke, Kaleb Louiselle, Maci and Nathan Johnson, Tucker, Ava and Chase Hawkinson, Mira and Emma Ott, Timber and Huntley Woolridge, and Hendricks and Winston Peterson. Jackie also loved and embraced her loving blended families.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard (Leslie) Foster; her parents, Lloyd and Grace Foster; her grandparents, Frank and Lydia Bublitz; and her beloved aunts and uncle, Ruby, Naomi, and Aden Bublitz.

Jackie’s life was enriched by the love of her treasured friends and family, including Jan and Mel Enquist and family, Shirley Wardock and her children, sister-in-law Leslie Foster and her children Kirk, and Kristi, her nephew Tim, as well as many other dear friends. Her soul-sister and cousin Connie Cleary shared an unbreakable bond with Jackie, one that will be cherished forever.

Thank you to the Park’s Place family for the loving care and friendship for our beloved Jackie.

Jackie’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her. She was a remarkable woman, and she will be deeply missed.

Please send any memorials to the Golden Valley Animal Humane Society, 845 Meadow Lane N., Golden Valley, MN 55422.