Jacqueline Alexis Blondin

Jacqueline “Jackie” Blondin passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, at her home in Crofton, Maryland, surrounded by her closest family, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

Jackie grew up in the Towson area and graduated from Dulaney High School before attending the University of Maryland, where she majored in Zoology. She went on to become a dedicated educator, spending the majority of her career at Bowie High School. There, she taught science—primarily Biology and AP Biology—and served as department head for a period of time. Over the years, generations of students knew her as Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Zorn, and eventually Mrs. Blondin, and she remained beloved by all who learned from her. In 1998, Jackie was honored with the Excellence in Education Award, presented by U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, a recognition that reflected her profound impact as a teacher. She also coached the Bowie High School tennis team. An award‑winning educator, her influence extended far beyond the classroom.

Outside of her professional life, Jackie was an avid athlete and adventurer. She played tennis with friends and was part of the USTA Anne Arundel County Championship team one summer. She enjoyed skiing and golfing, but her greatest passion was boating. While living in Annapolis, Jackie loved cruising Spa Creek and the Severn River on her Chris-Craft, Ms. Jaz. A lifelong sailor, Jackie was a member of the West River Yacht Club, where she raced Star boats in her twenties and later Flying Scots in her forties. Eventually, she and her sister purchased an Island Packet named Sibling Revelry, which they sailed throughout the Chesapeake Bay.

Jackie also loved to travel and explored many destinations with family and friends. Her love of seeing new places began as a teenager during a formative trip to Germany, which sparked a lifelong sense of curiosity and adventure. Over the years, her travels took her skiing in the Colorado Rockies and the mountains of Italy, cruising through the Panama Canal, fishing in the Colorado River, riding mules down the Grand Canyon, visiting the Vortex in Sedona, sightseeing throughout Europe, exploring St. Petersburg, and sailing the Bras d’Or Lakes of Nova Scotia. Jackie shared these journeys with many cherished companions—her loving husband Albert, her daughter Alexis, her sister Sandra, and a spirited circle of friends affectionately known as the “Wild Women”, to name a few.

After retiring, Jackie embraced quilting, creating beautiful handmade quilts for those she loved. A proud member of the Baltimore Appliqué Society, she found community among fellow quilters and deepened her appreciation for the art form. Jackie participated in the recreation of the Star‑Spangled Banner flag as part of the Stitching History project, a contribution she held with great pride.

A devoted gardener and lifelong animal lover, Jackie cared for many pets over the years and held a special affection for her Tonkinese cats. She enjoyed playing mahjong and cards with friends and family, cherishing the laughter and connection those gatherings brought. Jackie was also a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Crofton, where her love of music was a constant thread in her life. At the church, she was part of the quilting group and worked with the Crofton Christian Caring Team to support those in need. Recently, Jackie contributed to the purchase of a new organ—an act that reflected both her generosity and her deep appreciation for the arts. Those who knew her will remember that she was always up for a new adventure, embracing life with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Above all else, Jackie was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a deeply proud grandmother. These roles brought her the greatest joy and shaped the heart of her life.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Dorothy Blondin, and by her sister, Sandra Butchart.

She is survived by her husband and life’s partner of over 35 years, Albert Oetken, and her daughter, Alexis Moore Bloom, her only child. She is also survived by Alexis’ husband, Jeffrey Bloom, and their sons—Scott, Preston, and Tyler Bloom—who brought Jackie immense joy.

She is remembered with love by her stepsons: Steve Oetken and his husband Matt; Dan Oetken, his wife Jen, and their sons Sam and Jackson; Michael Oetken, his wife Amanda, and their children Grace, Gabe, and Jonah; and Jonathan Oetken.

Jackie is further survived by her nieces, Melissa Withrow and Andrea Stone, whom she cherished deeply.

Her life was rich with curiosity, creativity, and connection—qualities she shared generously with everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Memorial contributions can be made to the North American Bluebird Society

Donations and Other – North American Bluebird Society