2000 - 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic passing of Carleigh Sondra
Isabelle Jackson of Okotoks, AB, beloved fiancé of Brett Harper, who
passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, AB, on
Monday, December 2nd, 2024, at the young age of 24.
Carleigh was born on January 26, 2000, in Thunder Bay, ON, to loving
parents Ryan Jackson and Brenda Schmold. Carleigh moved to Vulcan,AB
with her Mom at the age of 2, and grew up dancing with Dance Inspirations
in Vulcan. She took part in ballet and jazz, and played hockey for the better
part of 15 years growing up. At the end of the 6th grade, Carleigh moved
to Okotoks, AB, where she would meet some of her closest friends to this
day. Carleigh attended Okotoks Junior High School (OJ) for grades 7-9.
Some of her favourite extracurricular activities during that time included
flag football, basketball, and track & field. During school hours, Carleigh
enjoyed foods class, Spanish class, and debates within social studies class.
Some of Carleigh’s favourite memories were made at her Grandparents
Brian and Linda’s Camp in Ontario, which she spent time at each summer.
Following her years at OJ, Carleigh graduated high school at Holy Trinity
Academy in 2018. It was here that Carleigh volunteered as a trainer for the
Knights Football team throughout her 3 years there. She was adored by
her teachers and everyone that was lucky enough to know her. In her free
time, she worked various part time jobs including Browns Social House and
Classic Source for Sports in Okotoks. She had a passion and love for hockey
from both a coaching and playing perspective, spending many years with
Okotoks Minor Hockey Association.
After the completion of her high school diploma, Carleigh worked as a full
time server at Browns Social House to save her money for University the
following year, and to do some travelling. Carleigh spent a month in Thailand
where she explored the local food scene and visited an elephant sanctuary.
It was one of her favourite trips she ever took. In 2019, Carleigh moved
to Lethbridge, AB, to start her post secondary journey at the University of
Lethbridge. She spent 5 years working tirelessly towards completing a double
degree with a Bachelor of Arts and Science majoring in Sociology, and a
Bachelor of Education majoring in Social Studies Education. Carleigh was
a gifted and hard working academic, with her greatest accomplishments
being that she graduated from university with a 4.0 GPA, and the completion
of her final practicum placement shortly before her diagnosis.
At the beginning of 2024, Carleigh met the love of her life, Brett, and shortly
after was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. Carleigh fought hard and bravely,
with Brett lovingly by her side through it all.
She will be dearly missed, and fiercely remembered Carleigh is survived by
her fiance Brett Harper, her mother Brenda Schmold, Robin & Candis Harper,
Grandparents Brian & Linda Jackson, her 6 siblings Reece (Rachel) Girardin
- their kids Rosie and Richard, Oliver Girardin and his son Michael, Emily
Dunham, Sara Dunham, Lucas Jackson, Rihanna Jackson, Brendan (Olivia)
Harper, Jeff (Shelly) Jackson - their kids Josh and Jenna Jackson, Derek
Jackson, Josh & Liz Blake, close friends Megan Smith, Taylor Hinton-Turik,
Jade Mierau, Sierra Lenton, as well as numerous uncles, aunts, cousins
and countless other friends.
Carleigh was predeceased by her father Ryan Jackson who passed away
when she was 15, and her beloved stepfather Manfred Schmold who passed
away suddenly in 2023.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am, on Saturday December 14th,
2024, at OKOTOKS UNITED CHURCH, 43 Riverside Dr, Okotoks AB,T1S 0J2.
Eulogy/Speeches will begin at 11:30am, followed by open mic for memory
sharing starting at 12:30pm. Carleigh has asked that everyone wear a
hockey jersey in her memory to the celebration.
In lieu of flowers, Carleigh has requested that donations be made to her
GoFundMe page to cover celebration of life expenses; or to the
Canadian Cancer Society on her behalf.
https://gofund.me/c2d19309
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
