JACKSON, Carleigh

CARLEIGH JACKSON 2000 – 2024 It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic passing of Carleigh Sondra Isabelle Jackson of Okotoks, AB, beloved fiance 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.