Jackie Lee

Jacqueline Mae King Roper Lee, 82, of Antigo, died peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded by family on July 1, 2021, after a four-month battle with cancer. Born May 16, 1939, to the late Frank and Marie King (nee Kelly) in Sault Ste Marie, MI. Jackie was the last of nine children in her family. Jackie graduated from Loretto Catholic High School in 1957 and moved to Munising, MI to be near her only sister, June Ouelette. Jackie always believed in the power of education and at the age of 62, she decided to enroll in Bay Mills Community College. As a young woman starting out, she took a waitress job at a restaurant in the Sault, and this is where she met and later would marry Donald R. Roper Sr. in May of 1964. They had five children together and an opportunity to travel and live-in different parts of the world, including Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Marsure, Italy, prior to making a permanent home in Antigo. After thirteen years of marriage, Jackie and Don divorced. Out of necessity, Jackie became the primary breadwinner and began working at The Bird of Paradise restaurant, where she met and later married Ernie Lee in December of 1978. Jackie’s faith would be tested, and her determination and grit would carry her through some of the most challenging times. Later she would become a long time cook at the Blackjack Steakhouse where she worked alongside and made many meaningful friendships and memories. Her circle of friends grew over time and included those from all walks of life. After many years working in restaurants, Jackie took on new work experiences at Amron and Plaspak and was employed privately to clean homes throughout the community. She was never afraid of hard work and at 62 her health challenges would lead her back to her roots in the Sault, where she stayed for six years. Jackie would later return to her home and community of Antigo, where she spent the rest of her years volunteering at Wellfit, Rosalia Gardens and LeRoyer Hospice. Jackie was a deeply spiritual person mixing her one true faith Catholicism, with the Episcopalians at St. Ambrose in the 1970’s, and in her later years would gain a deep appreciation for her Native American heritage and some of the spiritual traditions of the Ojibwe people. Jackie was proud to call herself an Anishinaabe of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and found comfort when she was with her Native American friends. Jackie is survived by two daughters Leondra (Mike) Kools of Antigo and Donna (Eric Gabrielson) Roper of Bloomington, MN; three sons Donald (Sue) Roper of Chaska, MN, Joe (Brenda) Roper of Victoria, MN and Marion (Kelli) Roper of Murrieta, CA; thirteen grandchildren: Chad (Ashley) Kools of Eau Claire; Zoë and Nina Gabrielson; Tyler, Sydney and Chloe Roper; Abigail, Nicole and Adam Roper; Kelsey (Matthew) Potter, Jenna, Jake and Kennedy Roper; and two great grandchildren: Liam Potter and Chase Kools. In addition to her parents and husbands, Jackie is preceded in death by her brothers: Jack, Gene, Frank, William, Gerald, Clark, Raymond, and sister June. Jackie was dearly loved by her kids and grandkids, and especially by her friends and nieces and nephews. Her work ethic, generosity and compassion for others yielded her the admiration of so many. Jackie had an immense capacity to love, she knew that to have a friend, you only needed to be a friend. Her curiosity and interest in others played out in authentic gestures that included a simple hug, a short story, a conversation, an offer of food, a game of cards, a drink, and always a helping hand. The family would like to express their gratitude to cherished family and friends for their lifetime of support, kindness, and love. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Jackie’s name. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 6 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home. A prayer vigil will take place at 6:30 pm with a time for sharing memories and thoughts followed by he Rosary. The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, July 7 at Ss. Mary & Hyacinth’s Catholic Church. Father Joel Sember will officiate. Visitation will also be from 10:00 am until the service at the church. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery.