Jacqulyn Kay Reither passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, June 1st, 2026 with her children at her side.  

She was born on the 22nd of April, 1937 in Aitkin Minnesota to Alec and Mildred (Tibbetts) Johnson.  She graduated from Aitkin High School, class of 1955.   Jackie eloped with her soul mate, James A. Reither and they were married in Mason City Iowa on August 10th, 1957.  She followed her husband to Minnesota, Louisiana and Oregon where he attended university and achieved his Ph.D. in English.  In 1967 they emigrated with their young family to Fredericton , New Brunswick, Canada where Jim taught at St. Thomas University for 29 years.

    They enjoyed their careers and life in Canada and forged many deeply valued lifelong friendships.  Jackie was active in university life and also attended art school, worked at the Crisis Center for Women and pursued a career in real estate.

    Throughout their lives Jim and Jackie travelled extensively, taking several sabbaticals to experience life in different regions of America and the world. Most noteworthy being the year we spent as a family exploring Europe in a VW bus.  This was amongst the greatest gifts as a family that bonded us and profoundly affected each of us.

    Jim passed away in 2019 and Jackie returned to her hometown, Aitkin Mn. where she reconnected with family and friends.

    Jackie loved life and had an undying respect for our planet and all humanity.  She was a strong, kind and caring woman who truly valued her family and friends.

   She was preceded in death by her Husband, James A. Reither, her Parents, Alec and Mildred Jonson, her brothers Alec Jr. and Gary and her sisters Patricia and Carol.

Jackie is survived by her three children, Throm and Kirk of Aitkin and her daughter Heather (Peter) Kaniuk of Canada as well as 8 grandchildren and several Great grandchildren.

   Special Thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and Aides at Riverwood Healthcare Center and Moments Hospice that cared for her. Your kindness and professionalism meant a great deal to her and her family.

Internment will take place at Bennettville cemetery in a quiet ceremony at a later date.  To leave a message of condolence, please visit:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Aitkin.

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