Jackie Elaine McLennan

Jackie Elaine McLennan of Long Plain First Nation passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, at the age of 53 with her loving family and friends by her side. She is gone on to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen!

Jackie was born June 16, 1971, in Portage la Prairie to Jean Prince and Eugene Ledoux. Jackie was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law, cousin and friend. She is survived by her loving husband, Les McLennan of 34 years, children Alex, Katrina, Nicolas, Heaven, Harmony and special daughters Cher and Juanita and special son Dusty, grandchildren Elijah, Drew, Rosalie, Raleigh and Alexander, brother Herbie (Jeannette), sister Cindy, mother-in-law Helen and sister-in-law Barbie. Jackie was predeceased by her mother Jean, father Eugene, grandmother Doreen, sister Faline, father-in-law Allan and brother-in-law Len

Jackie was an amazing person and known for her fearlessness and for holding strong to her convictions. Her motto in life was, "If you're going to do something, do it right!" Jackie attended MacGregor Collegiate Institute and loved participating in and excelling at sports; to this day, she still holds some of the school records. She was the goalie when playing soccer and during a match with another school, she kicked the ball so high and far that she scored a goal on the other team. She had a great love for the MLB Bluejays and, if not doing well because of the pitcher, would be shouting at the manager to "change the pitcher!" It was fun to watch her and, of course, Les had to cheer for the other team just to get a rise out of her as he would laugh and say, "It keeps the spice in the marriage."

It was during her time at high school that she grew to respect and admire two teachers who made an indelible impression on her life, Heather and Elly. This grew into a special friendship after high school with memories being created during suppers locally and also to Winnipeg while having engaging and stimulating conversations about anything and everything.

Jackie also loved doing projects for her mom, which one time included putting together a large outdoor swing/bed for mom to enjoy during the summer. This also included a deck around the house and planter boxes for her garden. Mom would be the forewoman but one time she got the directions mixed up when building the swing so Jackie had to take over. She also loved to go to garage sales and play bingo with her grandmother, Doreen.

As a youth, Jackie, Herbie and Cindy would always be outside playing regardless of the weather. They trekked though the woods to build forts, played with slingshots, ran through dirt devils, built tunnels with bales to crawl through, went on long bike rides and walks. Jackie and Cindy always laughed and said that as kids they did not have to be bad because they just had to watch Herbie, who was mischievous.

Jackie was close with her father-in-law and she and Les would go hunting and they would tinker on vehicles and work in the garden. They loved their friendly arguments and debates which would always end in laughter as they teased each other.

Jackie and Les met on St. Patrick's Day and only after four months, knew they were meant for each other and became engaged. The following year in August they were married and went though life dedicated to each other and committed through thick or thin. A short while after being married, they became foster parents for numerous children throughout the years. Each of them was a blessing and treasure to have in their life which they always treated like they were their own kids. Eventually, they became the proud parents of their five children. She had a special bond with her grandson, Drew, who loved to lay behind her on the bed as he would play on his tablet and she on her phone. They would also love to play fight and share a surprise pack of candy together. She would love to cut the grass, and he would join her on occasion.

Jackie was such an extroverted person who could strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and talk like they were old friends. Les and her sister, Cindy, were amazed one time when she got a call on her cell phone and was laughing and chatting only to learn when she got off the phone, that it was someone who called looking for his brother and got Jackie instead. She enjoyed going out for supper and a movie, especially when the newest James Bond with Daniel Craig was out. This of course, included her best friend, Jo-Ann. She loved to go quading with her kids and having BBQ's, watching Grey's Anatomy, Down Town Abby, Absolutely Fabulous and Little House on the Prairie. She enjoyed cooking and trying out new recipes and would always be sending her kids recipes that she wanted to try out. Of course, nothing compared to the homemade pizzas that left everyone craving more.

Jackie liked to indulge and occupy herself with all kinds of projects around the house and yard. Les would always lament Jackie's trip to the Home Depot with Cindy to buy paint and wood for the house and newest project. He knew his weekend was already pre-booked for another painting job as scheduled by Jackie. They built a gazebo for the family to enjoy along with a fire pit so they could sit back and watch the kids play. Then there was the massive play structure perched up with a slide, playhouse, rope ladder, monkey bar, swings and a sandbox underneath strung up with lights for the kids to play under. They next project, of course, was to add on a zip line. There was also a number of garden boxes added in the yard for her, Les and the kids to plant their garden every summer. The last project to date, but definitely not the last, was the swimming pool. Jackie always planned projects like these for her family to enjoy.

Jackie first worked at Circle Square Ranch, DOTC Police as a summer student Constable, a cook at the Long Plain restaurant on Highway 1, at the Day Care and as a DJ at Long Plain Rez Radio, which she enjoyed because of her love of music. Her favourite song was Amazing Grace by Il Divo. She also worked at the VLT's for a number of years and eventually became the supervisor, prior to her having to go on medical leave.

There are so many stories and memories to cherish of Jackie. Sadly, her sickness became prolonged but despite it, she would not give up fighting to the very end so she could be with her family, who meant the world to her. Jackie, of course, also had a love her three dogs and three cats. She will be loving missed by her family and friends; she made such in imprint on the lives of those she loved and who will be reunited with her one day in heaven.

Wake will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Long Plain Spirit Lodge beginning at 4:00 pm, feast and service will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Long Plain Spirit Lodge beginning at noon. Burial will follow at the Prince Longclaws cemetery.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021.