When I first moved here three years ago I kept reading about and seeing photographs of Jackie Lee Houston.  I unfortunately never got to meet her face to face, but I found out that she passed away yesterday. 

Mrs. Houston, who’s helped pioneer such events as the Palm Springs International Film Festival and helped countless local non-profit organizations, passed away yesterday here in the Valley with her husband, Mr. Jim Houston, by her side.

Valley leaders expressed their sorrow at the loss of Mrs. Houston.

“Jackie Lee Houston was a truly remarkable woman with the biggest heart I have ever known. She was a wonderful lady who could always be counted on to help those in need and she cared deeply for the Palm Springs community she called home for so many years,” said to Mayor Pougnet. “She truly was our City’s guardian angel — and there will never be another Jackie Lee. A bright star has gone out in our City – and we will miss her terribly. On behalf of the citizens of Palm Springs, I want to extend my deepest condolences to Jim and the Houston family.”

She leaves behind an amazing legacy, I don’t know if a week ever went by when I didn’t see her picture in the paper attending and supporting so many different events.  I was saddened at the news that I will never have the opportunity for a face to face meeting but her legacy will continue without her.