Jamie Sterk, 43, passed away on February 24, 2026. Born on September 9, 1982, in Sioux Falls, she grew into a woman whose strength, compassion, and fierce love shaped every life she touched.

Jamie devoted herself to caring for others, not only as a mother but as a foster mother to many children in need. Her home was a place of safety, warmth, and second chances. She also served her community as a substitute teacher in Sioux Falls, where her patience, kindness, and steady presence made a lasting impact on the students she guided.

Helping others heal was at the heart of who she was. Jamie owned and operated Wounded Healer Recovery, a business dedicated to treating hidden wounds through holistic medicine. Her work was deeply personal. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2017, she fought through chemotherapy and radiation and celebrated five cancer-free years before the disease returned in April of 2023. She faced every challenge with courage and grace, fighting until the very end.

Jamie was also open about her journey with addiction. She was an alcoholic who transformed her struggle into a source of strength and service. She used her experience to help others find recovery, hope, and purpose. She would have celebrated 15 years of sobriety this May, a testament to her resilience and the countless lives she supported along the way.

She is survived by her children: Damien, Gabriel, Matthias, Hunter, and Hazel; her mother Deb Eckman; and her brother Robert Eckman.

Jamie was preceded in death by her father Ricardo Alvarado; her brother David Alvarado; her grandparents Shirley and Clyde Rabb; her stepfather Bruce Eckman; and her cousin Sarah Hindt.

Jamie was a mother, a healer, a teacher, and a friend. Her absence leaves an ache that cannot be measured, but her spirit lives on in the countless lives she lifted, comforted, and loved.