A celebration of life for Gretchen Jacobsen (1954 to 2009) was held Jan. 18, 2009 at Enso House in Freeland. The memory of her life will live on in the hearts of her children, Sam and Emma Lee, and her stepson, Brandon Lee.

Gretchen was born on Aug. 31, 1954 in Anchorage, Alaska and grew up on Mercer Island.

She is survived by her husband, Stephen Lee and the Lee family, parents, Jim and Jackie Jacobsen, brother and sister-in-law, Ken and Mary Jacobsen, brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Eliska Jacobsen, sister and brother-in-law, Christine and David Horn, and her beloved nieces and nephews.

Gretchen’s family has a long history in the seafood industry and she spent many youthful summers at canneries in remote Alaskan villages. Those experiences led to many rewarding years of work in the seafood and oil industries.

Gretchen moved to Whidbey Island with her own family in 1996 and devoted her time to raising her children and actively participating in island life. Her lifelong love of dance led her to the Whidbey Island Dance Theater where she spent many hours organizing fundraisers, designing costumes, and even dancing in “The Nutcracker.” Gretchen also had a passion for children. She operated her own daycare and most recently worked with special needs students.

Gretchen’s greatest pride in life was her children and she fought a difficult battle with cancer to stay with them as long as she could. She peacefully moved on from this life on Jan. 7, 2009 at Enso House.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends who are very grateful to the Enso House for the outstanding care and compassion they provided for Gretchen and those around her.

In honor of Gretchen Jacobsen, donations can be made to the Whidbey Island Dance Theater or Enso House.