It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Shawna Sawyer Jeskey’s passing. Shawna entered this world on September 29, 1969, in the vibrant city of Honolulu, Hawaii. Her radiant spirit departed on September 16, 2025, in Tualatin, Oregon, at the age of 55, leaving an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew and loved her.

Shawna’s formative years unfolded in Hillsboro, Oregon, where she cultivated lifelong friendships and a keen sense of community. A proud graduate of Hillsboro High School, she was a spirited member of the Class of 1987. Her intellectual curiosity then led her to Oregon State University in Corvallis, where her passionate cry of "GO BEAVERS!" often echoed across campus. In 1991, she earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, a field that perfectly aligned with her burgeoning commitment to understanding human dynamics and advocating for societal well-being. This academic foundation ignited a lifelong dedication to human rights and social justice, defining her remarkable career and unwavering advocacy.

Shawna dedicated over three decades of her life to the Oregon School Employees Association (OSEA), where she became an indispensable force as an arbitrator, negotiator, and organizer. Her tireless efforts and profound expertise touched the lives of countless individuals across the state, leaving an indelible mark on Oregon’s educational landscape. With unwavering conviction and remarkable skill, she championed the rights of school employees, tirelessly working to secure fair treatment, equitable representation, and dignified working conditions for those who dedicate themselves to nurturing the minds of Oregon’s students every single day. Shawna was not just a professional; she was a fierce advocate, a compassionate listener, and a relentless problem-solver who believed in the power of collective action to create meaningful change.

Above all, Shawna’s world revolved around her cherished family, the bedrock of her existence. She is survived by her devoted husband, Tony Jeskey, who was her steadfast partner and dearest companion. She also leaves behind her beloved son, Coleman Harris, and his fiancée, Estela Rodriguez. Shawna was a cherished stepmother to Lauren Wolfe and her husband, Dan Wolfe, and a doting grandmother to their children, Emmett and Cal, who brought immense joy to her life. Her stepson, Ben Jeskey, and his partner, Sadie Casacca, also mourn her passing. Shawna was preceded in death by her first husband, Bradley Harris. She was the beloved daughter of Rick and JoAnna Sawyer, and a cherished sister to Stacey Nelson and her husband, Todd Nelson. Her vibrant spirit will also be dearly missed by her nieces and nephews—Alexandria Nelson, Tanner Nelson, Jake Jessen, and Reed Nelson—as well as her great-niece and great-nephew, Camila Alfaro-Jessen and Nicholas Alfaro-Jessen, all of whom she adored.

Shawna’s legacy extends far beyond her professional achievements; it lives on in the hearts of her loving family, the countless lives she touched with her kindness and wisdom, and the enduring principles she championed throughout her life. Her unwavering dedication to justice, her infectious optimism, and her boundless capacity for love will forever inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her. May her memory serve as a source of comfort, strength, and a reminder to continue her important work.

To honor Shawna’s remarkable life and enduring spirit, a Celebration of Life will be held on **Sunday February 8, 2026**, from **11:00 AM to 02:00 PM** at the **Charboneau Country Club, located at 32000 SW Charboneau Drive, Wilsonville, Oregon**.

With deepest sympathy,

Stacey Nelson

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