Northern Wyoming News - Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

Jacalyn "Jackie" Grace Feraud, 62, of Worland passed away from pneumonia Friday morning, July 1, 2016, at Washakie Medical Center in Worland, Wyoming. Jackie was born on August 14, 1953 in Worland, a daughter of Eleanor (Carlson) and John Maurice Feraud.

Jackie was raised on the family sheep ranch on Gooseberry Creek west of Worland. In her early years she began physical, speech and occupational therapy at the Easter Seal Physical Therapy Center in Thermopolis (later became Gottsche Center). At the age of three & half, Jackie was named Wyoming Easter Seal Sweetheart.

From 1960 to 1970 Jackie attended kindergarten and special education classes with teachers Marian Eulberg and Lillian Leithead in Worland. In 1970 she moved to the Big Horn Basin Children's Center (BHBCC) in Thermopolis where she went to school and lived during the week, and then came home to the ranch on the weekends and holidays.

Jackie was always proud to earn her own money. Under the supervision of the BHBCC in 1972, she began working part time at Ireland's Second Hand Store and then later at the Holiday Inn cleaning rooms. She also worked at Big Horn Enterprises (BHE) assembling compasses, candy bouquets, and shredding paper.

In addition, Jackie also participated in Special Olympics, winning many medals and ribbons. She was able to attend the 1987 International Special Olympics held at Notre Dame University in Indiana where she competed in the softball throw and the 100 meter walk.

Jacalyn lived independently, with assistance from BHE, in several different apartments over the years in Thermopolis. When she became physically unable to be on her own, she moved to the Worland BHE Group Home #2 in 2014, and attended day-hab at Worland BHE during the week.

Over her lifetime, Jackie made many friends. She enjoyed spending time with her family, going to the mountains, and being around all the animals at the ranch. Her favorite color was purple; and her favorite football team was the Denver Broncos.

She liked putting jigsaw puzzles together, playing cards, and had several books of word search games. Going on trips, eating out, going to the movies, watching TV, and listening to John Denver, Vince Gill and other country singer's albums were favorite past times.

Jackie was a gentle soul and will be remembered for her beautiful smile and loving heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, by her brother Fred Feraud, by her maternal and paternal grandparents, and by several aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her sisters Catherine (Garret) Immesoete and Carla Feraud (Jim Weber) both of Worland and by nephews John Feraud and Brian (Heather) Feraud both of Casper, WY, Travis (Lynn) Immesoete of Lansing, Kansas, Shane Immesoete of Grand Junction, Colorado, Brandon Immesoete of Seattle, Washington, and Evan Immesoete of Worland, WY; by five great-nephews, one great niece, and numerous cousins. She also is survived by her aunts Alice (Ed) Hewitson of Vancouver, Washington and Joyce Carlson of Hibbing, Minnesota.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 6th at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Worland. Burial of her cremains will follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Worland.

Memorials may be made to Big Horn Enterprises - 641 Warren – Thermopolis, WY 82443, or to the New Hope Humane Society - P.O. Box 1704 – Worland, WY 82401.

Veile Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.