Jill Malaspina passed away at home last Friday night after a two-year battle with leukemia. She was age 59.

Jill would like to thank her friends and family for the many phone calls, letters, cards, visits and meals that made this difficult time easier. She would like to thank the nurses and staff on 12 East, Swedish’s finest, and Dr. Kaplan and Carey for their care and friendship. A special thanks to Dr. Stan Williams for all the time, effort and friendship he provided. The Mercy Flight pilots on Orcas Island were invaluable to Jill and her family, making it possible for her to be at home.

Those of us who were lucky enough to know Jill will remember her love of gardening and animals, especially babies, and her willingness to share her knowledge with others. Jill and her warm, beautiful smile will be truly missed but never forgotten.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Malaspina, her sons Michael and Tony, and grandchildren Nicoya, Mikayla and Michael.

There will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in her name to Mercy Flights through the Orcas Aviation Association at P.O. Box 712, Eastsound, WA 98245, or the Orcas Animal Shelter.