Jaqueline Woods La Chapelle

March 9, 1947 – January 21, 2025 – Jacqueline Woods La Chapelle, “Jackie,” daughter of Forrest and Marjorie Woods, passed away on January 21, 2025. Born March 9, 1947, in Salem, Oregon, she moved to Woodburn with her family when the town had approximately 2,500 residents. They became active members of the Baptist church on Gatch Street. Jackie graduated from Woodburn High School in 1965 and Oregon State University in 1969 with a BS in Speech. At OSU, she met and married David Simmons, father of her three children.

Jackie’s career life included being a vice principal and counselor, teacher and adjunct professor of Speech, social worker, and culinary arts instructor. She enjoyed teaching and working with students of all ages to improve their lives.

During her years in teaching, she met fellow educator and second husband, Lawrence La Chapelle, the love of her life and role model to her children. They remained married until his passing on December 5, 2018.

Jackie enjoyed and excelled in many creative pursuits including playing the flute, quilting, singing, theatre, crafting, gardening, and caregiving. She was a voracious reader and passed on her academic discipline to her children. Jackie also enjoyed cooking with her children and 10 grandchildren, including a family cooking contest which became an annual tradition. Her sense of humor, love of life and strong faith were beacons of light to any gathering.

Jackie is survived by children Valeri Hodson, (Mark) from Whidbey Island, WA, Drew Simmons (Jennifer) Winthrop, WA and Steven Simmons (Kalee) Chelan, WA. She is also survived by sisters Winnie Sample (William), Salem, Oregon and Vivian Kamph (Fred) McMinnville, OR, and brother, Vaughn Woods (Terrie) La Jolla, CA.

Jackie maintained a strong faith in Jesus throughout her life. In life, we all decide whether we invite faith to come along for the ride. Jackie did.

The public is invited to celebrate the life of Jackie at a memorial service to be held at Mid-Valley Community Church, 591 Gatch Street, Woodburn, Oregon, 97071, Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.