Saturday, December 21, 2024
I have so many wonderful memories of Jackie stretching back to my early childhood. My brother and I were never allowed to call her “Aunt” Jackie, as she said that made her feel old, so I have only ever called her simply Jackie. We saw her and Uncle Joe every Sunday after church and lots of other times besides, for we grew up not far away. All our special holidays were spent together, often at the house they shared with our grandparents. I remember the few times all Jackie’s side of the family were there too when we ate downstairs on every available surface, including the pool table. Jackie managed all of this with her sisters and she was unfailingly kind and welcoming.
Joe and Jackie often went camping with us and slept in their station wagon. I remember sleeping in the front seat with them and waking them up in the night yelling in my dreams, but there was only laughter about it in the morning. One adventure had my mom and brother’s tent nearly sliding into the quarry at Sherkston when there was a terrible storm in the night. We all piled into her station wagon and awaited the arrival of my dad and uncle who had left the 2 women and kids camping alone.
Jackie you were such a sweet and wonderful lady, and I will miss our long phone chats and your humour and delightful stories, your singing me happy birthday on the phone (you never forgot a birthday) and your brave and positive attitude. You were the best aunt (who wouldn’t be called an aunt) anyone could ever have, always supportive and caring and the best great-aunt to my children and great-great aunt to my grandchildren. I will miss you terribly, but I know you have joined Uncle Joe and are with the angels.