Clara Louise “Lou” Mahler died at her home in Oak Harbor surrounded by her family on Friday, March 17, at the age of 78. Lou was born Dec. 2, 1938, in Commerce, Ga., to Robert and Carolyn Sanders.
At the age of 5, following her parents divorce, she moved to Homestead, Fla., with her mom and step-dad, John Yudinsky.
Lou was a “Rebel” at South Dade High School in Homestead and graduated in 1956. Following high school, she became a “Gator” at the University of Florida. Her brother Kinney brought home three members of his flight school cadets over Christmas break that year, including Michael Jackets. In December 1957, Lou and Michael were married and she became a proud Navy wife.
The Navy took them to California, Japan, the Philippines, Kansas, Florida and three tours at Naval Air Station Whidbey where Michael retired. Lou loved her duty stations, making new friends and visiting new locations. Lou and Michael were divorced in 1977.
Lou began her long and successful real estate career in the late 60s at North Island Realty on Midway Blvd., where she met and married George Mahler in 1980. Unfortunately, George was diagnosed with cancer in 1983 and died in 1985.
Lou’s career in real estate took her to ERA Acorn Properties and finally to Windermere Real Estate. She was well respected and gained many valuable friendships throughout her career.
Lou participated in many opportunities to serve during her life. She was a charter member and past president of Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor, a Washington state real estate commissioner from 1991-1997, a life member of the Oak Harbor Navy League, a past board member of the Opportunity Council and a member of the North Whidbey Youth Commission.
She also loved to travel and following her retirement, she took a 70-day cruise around the world. In her younger years she was an avid bridge player and golfer, but what meant the most to Lou was her family and friends.
Lou is survived by her three children, Peggy Angell and husband Mark of Oak Harbor, Michael Jackets of Burlington and Jennifer Jackets of Oak Harbor; by three grandchildren, Sara (Jackets) Deyermond and husband Johnny of Federal Way, Jonathan Marti and Dylan Angell; by her brother Kinney Sanders of Fairview, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews; and her Boston Terrier, Ty.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, at Wallin Funeral Home in Oak Harbor. A reception will follow for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Mona Pants Foundation (a Boston Terrier rescue program) at P.O. Box 7960, Jupiter, FL, 33468, or to Hospice of the Northwest at 227 Freeway Drive, Suite A, Mount Vernon, WA, 98273.
Please visit Lou’s page in the Book of Memories at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home &Cremation, LLC, Oak Harbor.
