Jackie Roorda

Mrs Roorda lived in Poole and then later moved to Blandford where she lived for more than 30 years.

She was one of the key members of Blandford’s Georgian Fayre committee and played a pivotal role in the running of the event for over 18 years.

She was also secretary of North Dorset Netball League and was an active team member up until the age of 47.

A qualified pharmacy dispenser, Mrs Roorda worked in the dispensary team at Whitecliff Surgery for 15 years and in 2003 she left to set up her own business in event management.

In this role, she was the administrative manager for the Dorset Summer Music Society for eight years.

In 2009, Jackie met Canadian engineer Oene Roorda, and in 2011 she and her two youngest girls, Ellen and Rachel, moved to the Foothills area of Alberta to set up house together.

They married in March 2012 at a civil ceremony in Calgary, which was followed by a church blessing in the UK.

Tragically only three weeks into her new life in Canada, Mrs Roorda developed an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Despite this, her optimistic attitude to life and outgoing personality meant that she quickly made new friends in her new home.

During her treatment, she insisted on living life to the full.

The ultimate hostess, Mrs Roorda enjoyed having a house full of people and spending time with her family. Throughout her life she made strong friendships in Blandford and Canada.

Her many passions included music – all types including classical, pop and country – sport, literature and crafts.

A funeral service has been held in Canada and a memorial service in the UK is being planned. Her family have expressed their gratitude to the staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary and The Foothills Country Hospice in Okotoks, Alberta for their support.

She is survived by her husband Oene, children Douglas, Kirsty, Ellen and Rachel, and granddaughter Evie Rose.