OBITUARY
Jacqueline Falman
24 March, 1952 – 22 July, 2017
Jacqueline “Jackie” Falman 1952-2017, Norwich, CT
While embraced by the love of family and friends, Jackie died at home on July 22 with the same gentle composure and grace she exhibited throughout her prolonged coping with cancer. She was 65.
Of short physical stature, Jackie had a tall personality and significant effect on the lives of many. She was wife to William Falman Jr. of Norwich for the last 43 years, and mother to Bryan Falman of Virginia and Chris Falman of Boston. Her parents, Richard and Lucille Fontaine of Taftville are both deceased. Having earned her BS and MS degrees in education at ECSU, Jackie was a devoted and passionate teacher in the Norwich Public School system for 35 years. She taught in the primary grades, worked with the gifted program and served as an assistant principal. She continued to volunteer in classrooms after retirement.
A quietly outgoing and fun-loving personality, music was a significant aspect of her life. Jackie played guitar, the french horn, and piano. She was an active member of the Griswold Players Community Chorus and always had a song in her heart. She loved plays and musicals and constantly looked on the bright side of things. An unwavering optimism and love of life were her trademarks, “Live in the moment,” her mantra. Jackie owned a warm and genuine smile that she readily shared.
A Board of Directors member of Reliance Health, Inc, Jackie did philanthropic good for the community in her inherent, low profile way.
She loved to cook and break bread with friends and family, share conversation and laughter, play cards and board games. Jackie and Bill were part of a long-standing gourmet group established with three other couples who compiled their own book of recipes.
Besides her husband and sons, she leaves behind brothers Dan and Dick Fontaine, sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, several nieces and nephews and a bevy of dear friends, all of whom will find it challenging to fill the hole her leaving has created.
A private party to celebrate her life will be held for invited friends and family. Donations in Jackieʼs memory can be made to:
CT Women of Hope (ctwomenofhope.org), Reliance Health (reliancehealthinc.org), or Descendants of Lucille and Richard Fontaine Fund (Contact: descendentsoflucillerichardfon@gmail.com or Call 860.974.3615).
To leave a condolence, please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com
Services
A Private Party to celebrate her life will be held for invited friends and family at a later date.
Memories
Jacqueline Falman
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYDenise Bazinet Tyburski
August 4, 2017
My deepest and sincere sympathy to all the family and many friends of Jackie.
Nancy Oloff Gandolfo
July 27, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Billy and your family.
The Oloff family
Bob and Jan Couture
July 27, 2017
We were so sad to hear of Jackie's passing. She was such a wonderful, sweet person and great neighbor. We will always remember her kind and loving ways. Our sincere condolences to Bill, Brian and Chris.
Kathleen Jones
July 26, 2017
I loved working with Jackie at Moriarty years ago. She was such a kind, giving person. She will be missed. My condolences to all of her family.
Pamela Aey Adams
July 26, 2017
I knew Jackie from years ago at NFA when we were on the Fencing Team together. In addition to being a great Fencer, she was always upbeat and her personality sparkled! She always found the humor in life and never took herself or the world too seriously. Will always remember her with fondness and recall the great times we had on the Fencing Team, Rose Arts Parade and hanging with the Sugar & Spice. - Pam Aey Adams
Linda (Desrosiers) Smith
July 26, 2017
I knew Jackie from the Reliance Health Board of Directors. She always had a smile and a kind word. We would share memories of growing up in Taftville and of her Dad and brother Danny. Jackie will be missed and I will have a smile on my face every time I think of her.
Debra Podurgiel
July 26, 2017
She was one of my favorite teachers of all time. I used to sing Moon Shadow to my kids when they were babies - a song she taught us all in third grade at Moriarty when she would play her guitar. What a wonderful, incredible teacher. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sue Caplet
July 26, 2017
I knew Jackie as member of the Reliance Health Board of Directors. She was always positive and caring and fun to talk to. She will be greatly missed by everyone at our agency.
Phyllis Cummings
July 26, 2017
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember Jacquie as a great teacher. I also remember the days spent at the little league field watching our boys. My prayers and thoughts are with you in time of great loss.
Arlene Pollack
July 26, 2017
Sending my sincere sympathy to the Fontaine and Falman families. I was so saddened to read of Jackie's passing. She was a great teacher and colleague.
July 25, 2017
Bill, Brian and Chris sending you our sincere condolences, we will miss Jackie.
Henry and Helen Sieczkowski
Diane Tolokan
July 25, 2017
Sending my deepest condolences. Jackie will be remembered as a kind and gentle woman. May she Rest In Peace.
Trish, Arthur, Nathaniel and Samuel Dean
July 25, 2017
It is with sadness that we heard of Jackie's passing. Her positive and creative talents, and her great leadership skills have given so much to so many over the years.It has been a blessing for all of us to have known her.
May the angels keep you in their loving and gentle care during the days to come.
Our thoughts are with all of you.
dennis riley
July 25, 2017
Danny--I extend condolences on Jackie's death...she was part of one of Taftville's great families and a tremendous teacher in the Norwich school lsystem...
Mike & Darlene Ducharme
July 25, 2017
Bill our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Cassie Fontaine-Grillo
July 25, 2017
So very sorry to hear ,my condolences To The Family. I'm so thankful to have reunited
@The Fontaine reunion with Jackie for the past several years and talked about many things with her about are family.May God give u all perfect
Peace.
Colette Trailor, Ph.D.
July 25, 2017
My deepest sympathies to the Falman and Fontaine families over Jackie's passing. In addition to her family, she touched the many lives of her students, friends, and community members and will be remembered with affection and gratitude for her influence on them. May she rest in peace.
Donald and Janice Archer
July 25, 2017
Our deepest sympathies to the family...sending many hugs and prayers to all.
Lori Cochran Arnold
July 25, 2017
I remember Jackie well from the NFA band. She always had a smile and a kind word. Sympathies to her family. May she rest in peace.
July 24, 2017
My deep condolences to the family of Jaqueline Falman. May the memories you have of Jaqueline
continue to be with you until you see her again.
Joseph Stefon
July 24, 2017
A wonderfully talented and caring lady...RIP Jackie. Say hello to Doreen for me.
Joe Stefon
Abby Dolliver
July 24, 2017
Jackie was an important, dedicated and appreciated member of the Norwich Public School Team. I was fortunate to have worked with her and to have sat beside her while playing the french horn in high school. Sending my thoughts and sympathy to her family. May good memories give you comfort.
Abby Dolliver