Velma "Jackie" Soares

Velma “Jackie” Soares, age 87, of Grants Pass, died September 17, 2009 at her home.

Private services have been held. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors were in charge of arrangements.

Donations may be made to Highland Elementary School Library at 1845 NW Highland Grants Pass, Oregon 97526 or to Allendale Elementary School Library at 2320 Williams Hwy Grants Pass, Oregon 97527.

Velma was born on October 17, 1921 in Oakland, California. She met her husband, Robert Joseph at the age of fifteen and they eloped to Reno, Nevada on January 18, 1941. She moved from Richmond California to Grants Pass 65 years ago. She was employed at Highland Elementary School for 27 years and volunteered at Allen Dale Elementary School thru June 2009. She touched the lives of hundreds of children thru several generations. Her and her husband lived happily ever after until September 17, 2009.

She was a member of the Rogue Valley Humane Society.

She was a “Pink Lady” for several years at Josephine General Hospital. She was in the “Special Friend” program at Highland School and also the “Reads” program at Allen Dale School.

Family was her number one priority and her door was always open to everyone. Holiday traditions and making special occasion cakes was what she liked to do.

Survivors include a son, Robert C. Soares of Grants Pass, Oregon and a daughter, Susan L Whitley of Terrebonne, Oregon; two sisters, Diane and Carol; nine grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

She was preceeded in death by her Parents, Jesse J Mendonca and Olive Mae Cody, her husband, Robert J; a daughter, Carol Frink, siblings, Bill and Lorraine Mendoza, Bobbie Berry and Geri Poletto.