PIPER (Oct 3, 1955 – March 23, 2018) Jacoba G. Piper passed away in the early morning of March 23 at the Peter Lougheed Hospital in Calgary at the age of 62. Jackie was born in Taber, AB to Chris and Baya Bronk as the eldest of five children. She and her siblings were raised on a large berry farm in Abbotsford, BC. The Bronks’ migrated to Lumby, BC where Jackie began to raise her two daughters, surrounded by family. Every day, she would wake up with the dawn to milk cows, manage other animals, and do chores. She was very proud of placing in a 50 mile mountain endurance race with her horse. Always the entrepreneurial spirit, her first business off of the farm was Shera-Lees Fabric and Yarn Bin. She did custom sewing and made many dresses and costumes for her girls Lisa and Sheryl. Jackie and the girls moved to Clearbrook, BC in the early 80’s where she was the first in her family to attend college, graduating from Fraser Valley College with a diploma in Criminal Justice. Life led her back to the family farm, so she followed her parents and siblings to Rainier, Alberta in 1986. She was lucky enough to find love and married Alfred Piper. Jackie and Al always had their door open to stray teenagers, family, and friends who needed a refuge. Her creativity had a broad range, seen throughout the farm. Adventures over the years included raising animals, breeding dogs, hunting and fishing. Ever in search of a good opportunity, she did catering, pig roasts, and was part of a pilot truck company. Jackie also worked off the farm at the Brooks Auction Mart. Jackie gave nearly a decade of full time nursing care to family and friends with terminal illnesses in her belief of family responsibility: not looking for, nor receiving any awards or gratitude for her efforts. Through it all, she and Al were ongoing caregivers to her daughter Sheryl through her illness, until her passing in 2015. Al and Jackie spent several summers running the concession at Kinbrook Lake and are now known for ‘Outback Country Kitchen’ restaurant in Duchess. Jackie found a lot of pride in making people smile with her cooking and creating a menu for special occasions. Through all of life’s losses, Jackie’s health became frail. Her tenacious nature kept her fighting until her body could no longer. Jackie will be deeply missed by her loving husband Alfred Piper, daughter Lisa (Michael) Paul, and her only sunshine angel granddaughter – Makayli. She is predeceased by her daughter Sheryl Pearce and sister Nancy Bronk. The extended families of Piper, Bronk, Johnson, and multitude of dear friends will sorely miss her bold and vibrant spirit. A graveside service will be held at the Brooks Cemetery on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at 11 am. Lunch to follow at Trinity Lutheran Church hall. For further information, to light a virtual candle, or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.
