It is with deep regret and sorrow that I painfully announce the passing of Jerri-Lynn Poole, my wife of 36 years and the loving mother of three wonderful children, Kelli (Seigle) Hammond, Tryllane Poole and Lindsey (Poole) Sanders.

She also opened her home to several surrogate children over the years (you know who you are).

Jerri was born and raised in Forks, the daughter of Ernest and Joelene (Goodwin) Wittenborn. She spent almost her entire life working and raising our children in Forks.

She had numerous jobs, ranging from working in grocery stores to being a dedicated aid in the Quillayute Valley School District. In her last job, she was a caregiver in Port Angeles and then Forks.

It is ironic that her last job, that of a caregiver, best describes the type of person she was. As a mother, you could not ask for a better, more nurturing and more loving person than her.

This ability to raise and love children transferred over when she was blessed to have grandchildren.

The first group of grandchildren called her Grandma “Cool,” while the second wave called her Grandma Mimi, nicknames that always brought a smile to her face.

For several years, Jerri and her girlfriends liked to play bingo. Jerri seemed to be luckier than most when it came to games of chance. She once won a car in a Fourth of July raffle and also won $5,000 when the lottery first came out.

But, if I had to pick her favorite pastime, it would be watching her kids play sports. She was a cheerleader in high school, and I guess the thrill of competition never left her. She attended every sporting event they were in, no easy feat considering the amount of travel involved.

Jerri is survived by her husband, Robin Poole; mother Joelene Wittenborn; sisters Linda (Jerry) Wools and Michelle (Joe) Anderson; brother Jeff (Karen) Wittenborn; and children Kelli, Tryllane and Lindsey.

She also has six grandchildren.

A service will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 250 North Blackberry Avenue, Forks, on Friday, March 21, 2014, at 1 p.m., followed by a brief graveside service. Refreshments will follow so we can share memories and refresh our friendships.

Jerri was a wonderful wife, a loving mother and a great partner. She will be sorely missed by friends and family alike.

May she rest in peace.