Edwina Jansen McCleskey

Edwina Jansen McCleskey died Feb. 8, 2004, in Dallas, Texas. She was born Edwina Helena Jansen in Surabaya, Indonesia, March 3, 1922. Known fondly to many as “The Edwina,” spending time with her could only be described as an event — never a dull moment. She filled rooms and hearts with warmth, energy, and love. Edwina was raised in Indonesia and immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager.

Quickly learning English, she was accepted to U.C. Berkeley three years later where she met her future husband Robert. Bob proposed after two weeks and the couple eloped in Reno, Nev. No one thought it would last, but they were happily married for 60 years until Bob passed away in 2000. Together they raised five children while living in California — Jim, Tom, Nancy, Ed, and Bob. Twelve grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren followed.

Retirement took them to Whidbey Island in 1974, to Seattle in 1990, and then to Dallas where Edwina lived near family since 2002. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family Feb. 8.

She was feisty yet gracious, stubborn yet caring, always dramatic, and she dearly loved her cigarettes. Edwina leaves a lasting legacy —her family and friends — all of whom were touched by the sheer force of her personality, her kinetic energy, and most of all her caring and loving nature.

“Some people will be with us forever … in the way we live, in the way we love. Let things remembered bring you peace.”

Private family services are planned.