Jacqueline Neva Heaslip

Jacqueline Neva Heaslip, 90, of Staunton, passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at Kings Daughters Community Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born April 11, 1925 in New York, NY, a daughter to the late William John and Claire Wayman Heaslip. She grew up in New Jersey, married Richard Dexter Studwell in 1951, worked for Merck Pharmaceuticals and raised their children, Penelope and Rodger, with whom she shared sailing during the summers in the Raritan Bay, NJ. Jacqueline attended Valle Crucis School in NC, graduated from Rahway High School in NJ and earned her degree in Biology from New York University. She attended the The Art Students League of NY and Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts in NJ. She concentrated in Fabric Design and taught class at the school. While in New York City, she was employed by several design studios. She moved to Staunton, VA in 1989 and was active with the Beverly Street Studio School and Co-Art Gallery. She exquisitely painted portraits, landscapes and still lifes. She travelled to Perugia, Italy with friends and painted many landscapes of the Italian countryside. Jacqueline enjoyed her fellowship at St. Francis Assisi Church, where she helped in the library and attended classes. She enjoyed socializing with friends and making new friends. Anyone who met her commented on how much they enjoyed her company, especially all her daughter’s friends. One of her greatest joys in life was her grandchildren and how proud she was to be their grandmother. In addition, she adored her little feline companion, Queenie. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved friend, Robert Conover. She is survived by her children, Penelope Matallana and husband, Jorge of Staunton and Rodger Studwell and wife, Laura of Westfield, NJ; sister, Judith Biggs of Lewisburg, PA; brother, Allen Heaslip of Hermitage; grandchildren, Alexandra Matallana of Weehawken, NJ, Colin Studwell and Graham Studwell; niece, Megan Heaslip Blake and nephew, Billy Heaslip. Her dear friends include; Chris Conover of NYC, Shirley Beigler of NJ, Melissa Hizy of Lynchburg and her goddaughter, Suzan Gray of Earlysville. Jacqueline appreciated the excellent staff at Kings Daughters Community Health and Rehabilitation Center, including the physical therapy group. A memorial service will be held on November 14, 2015 at 10:30 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Staunton with Msgr. Andrew Cassin officiating. Burial will follow at a later date in Thornrose Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to share memories, send condolences and sign the guest book by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com