Jacquelyn Juawon Maxwell, 53

It is with a heavy heart that we release our beloved Jacquelyn Juawon Maxwell to be with the Lord as she embarks on her next adventure. She went peacefully on July 31, 2013.

Jacquelyn (Jackie) was born on April 25, 1960, in Michigan to Martha and Farris Owens. She was raised in Chicago, Ill., and moved to Spokane in 1995, where she met her husband Fred. Fred was raising his two daughters, Nicole and Emily when Jackie appeared, like an angel, to complete their family as a loving wife and mother.

Fred and Jackie lived in Greenacres until 2007 when they found their peaceful home in Hidden Valley.

Jackie had a huge heart and her passion was helping children who were unable to find their voices. Whether this was learning disabilities, physical handicaps or emotional handicaps; Jackie wanted to save the world one child at a time. She worked as a special needs teacher at various schools in the area, including Mullan Trail Elementary in Post Falls, and John Brown Elementary and Betty Kiefer Elementary in Rathdrum.

Gardening was a pastime that filled Jackie with peace and comfort as well as spending time with her friends, her husband, her family and grandchildren.

Jackie was preceded in death by both her parents and her son, Anthony Christopher Bottalla. She is survived by her husband, Fred Maxwell; daughter Nicole Maxwell; daughter Emily (Justin) Tuttle; and grandchildren, Ayden and Owen. She is also survived by her stepfather, Roberto Anzaldo; sister Alicia; brother Terry; numerous nieces and nephews; and her dear friend, Linda Caywood.

Jackie had a special request and that was to remember her and celebrate her life by listening to the song “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum.

If you would like to make a donation in Jackie’s name, please do so to any local hospice.

Her memorial will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013, at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Spokane Valley.

Jackie was a beloved wife, mother, friend, sister, daughter and teacher. She will be missed but we know she is healthy and happy with the Spirit in the Sky.