Our beloved sister, aunt, and great friend, Jackie Bunnell, age 77, passed away peacefully at her home with family by her side on August 2, 2024.
Jackie was born in Huntington, Utah to Jack Nielson and Isabelle Durand Nielson on March 23, 1947. She was raised in Emery County with one sister and three brothers, and many wonderful family friends.
Jackie graduated from Emery High School, continued her education at the College of Eastern Utah, and graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre. She was an elite member of the Shakespearean Company and the star of many theatrical productions. While in college she married, Burt Bunnell, later divorced.
Jackie’s diverse artistic experiences spanned the country. From designing sophisticated interiors in Cambridge, MA to orchestrating captivating displays as the display manager of elite stores in San Francisco and Phoenix, she honed her visual talents. Eventually, she established her own business in Salt Lake City, where for over three decades she transformed spaces and objects with her unique style. Specializing in revitalizing furniture with a post-modern twist, crafting custom-painted upholstery, and creating both interior designs and personal artistic expressions. Jackie’s custom furniture and artwork was celebrated in numerous Salt Lake City galleries and private collections. She possessed an extraordinary ability to breathe new life into forgotten pieces, and had a knack for turning relics into art.
Jackie led a self-sufficient and bohemian lifestyle. She was intelligent, philosophical, stubborn, snarky, hilarious, witty, and eccentric. She was a beautiful woman who did it her way.
Despite not having children of her own, Jackie found immense joy in nurturing her niece, Katy Pace and nephew, Nathan Wilson as a surrogate mother during their childhood in Salt Lake. She often referred to her sister’s children as her ‘hippy larvae.’ She also formed a true lifelong friendship with her cousins, Arriane Wolfe and Brandon Oveson. While living with her brother, Kelly, Jackie formed a special relationship with her niece, Laura Dean who she referred to as her ‘little pat of butter.’ She had a great love and interest for all of her brothers’ and sisters’ children and grandchildren.
Jackie is survived by her sister, Madelene (Bob) Wilson, Orangeville, UT; brother, Kris Oveson, Castle Dale, UT; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, Jack Nielson, Isabelle and Valdean Oveson; brothers, Kurt Oveson and Kelly Oveson.
At her request, no funeral services will be held at this time. A celebration of life in her honor will take place in September.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Jackie online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net