In Memory

Jackie Hoopiiaina (Clawson)

Jackie Hoopiiaina (Clawson)

Obituary of Jackie Clawson

Evelyn Jackie Hoopiiaina McKay Clawson was born November 7, 1950.

She spent her early life with her mother, Margaret Camp and grandmother, Leone Camp in a little house on Center Street in Midvale, Utah. Jackie’s biological father, Akonie Hoopiiaina, and Margaret had divorced many years before and so the house was populated entirely by strong women - and cats - until their hearts welcomed her precious dad, James Buck, when he and Margaret married during Jackie’s 4th grade year. This was also when she developed a lifelong friendship - that became family - with Aunt Renae Richards, Renae’s daughter Kate Wilcox, son-in-law, Steve, and grandchildren, Beth, Max, and Devin. 

She attended Hillcrest High School and The University of Utah, where she earned a degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She loved singing in her beautiful alto voice and playing the cello. She was a splendid artist and writer and was a fan of animals, the outdoors, and holidays. 

It was through her musical involvement in high school that she became acquainted with Blair Clawson and they fell in love. In April of 1972, near her graduation from college, they married. After Blair’s graduation from college, they moved with their daughter, Bonnie, to Arizona. It was there they joyfully welcomed their second daughter, Renae, and their son, Daniel. 

The family relocated from northern Arizona to Tallahassee, Florida in 1984. Jackie and Blair divorced in 1989, but always lived in close proximity to each other so the commute for their children was short. Jackie lived in Tallahassee until she went home to God on January 24, 2021. 

Jackie’s working career was varied. She was a full time work-at-home Mom, a lecturer for Weight Watchers, a bartender, and a long-time employee for the State of Florida. She had exceptional “people skills,” a keen mind, a humorous and sharp wit, and a compassionate heart, which helped her excel in each milieu. 

She loved to travel and she made friends wherever she went. She was a fabulous cook and seamstress and was grateful she could contribute with her hard-earned acumen. Nothing made her happier than nurturing and nourishing those she loved and spending time with her family and friends. 

She was the Best Mama Cat and Gramini in the world - to her human family and to her fur babies. She fiercely and unconditionally loved Dan, Renae, Reggie, Ari, Eliana, Bonnie, Hyeon Ho, and her nineteen-year-old Ragdoll, Latte’. She would always say that, “nothing would keep me from my babies, even if I had to tear a building down brick by brick.” Her grand-kittens, Ari and Eliana, were the center of her soul and, “more fun to watch than primetime TV.” 

Jackie had many accomplishments in her lifetime, but she always felt her greatest accomplishments were her strong family and meaningful bonds with beloved friends. The legacy of love she created is broad, treasured, and infinite. 

 



 
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06/22/21 08:15 PM #1    

Sterling Jenson

I remember that during high school Jackie felt bad that no one could pronounce her last name, Hoopiiaina.  To remedy that she decided to use the last name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Prophet, David O'McKay, and legally changed her last name to McKay so that everyone could pronounce her name correctly.  A week after having her name changed we had a substitute teacher in English class who called out the role to mark all those in attendance.  When she got to Jackie's name, she pronounced it Jackie Mackie and the whole class laughed to Jackie's chagrine.  I loved her last name, Hoopiiaina, because it was exotic and sounded Hawaiian and I knew how to pronounce it.


06/23/21 09:44 PM #2    

Marilyn Miller (Cox)

I was in that class also; after class I asked her why she picked McKay and she told me that was her mother's maiden name.  I wanted her to know that we laughed because it was so unexpected, not because we were laughing at her.  Steve told me that he was interested in asking her out because she was tall, beautiful and smart, but he was so slow it never happened.  I wish I could have told her that because it made me feel very happy when someone told me a similar story about a shy guy who wanted to ask me out, but never got around to it.  Just knowing there were positive vibrations out there that I had no clue about until 50 years later made my day.  I bet there are a lot of other good vibrations that we don't have any idea about.      Marilyn Cox Workman


06/23/21 11:09 PM #3    

Stan Rasmussen

Because of her distinctive surname that most would mispronounce, during our elementary and junior high years she was known to some of us as “Jackie Hoo” which she didn’t seem to mind. Among my fond memories of Jackie is when, at her request, the Chamber Choir sang the mournful yet beautiful “Rainsong” by composer Houston Bright at the funeral of one of her close relatives (https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=468886316517936). It naturally comes to mind as I reflect on her passing.

-- Stan Rasmussen


02/09/22 12:57 PM #4    

Loren Pearce

I remember Jackie sat in front of me in seminary and she had a special "aura" about her. The seminary teacher seemed to show her special attention.  Anyway, I enjoyed knowing her with her beautiful long hair.


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