Jacqueline Bierwirth

She was born on June 20, 1931 in Chicago to Jack and Rosalee (nee Pow) Broderick. As the oldest child of four, she was brought up with much responsibility, often taking care of her younger brothers and sister. This conscientious quality carried on throughout her life.

As a teen, she took up horseback riding and won first place ribbons. Perhaps this is where she developed her grace in stature.

She met Lou Bierwirth, and enjoyed quite the whirlwind romance. Their dates included roller skating, bowling, dancing, and Lou even took her up a few times in a small airplane, when flying was new and unusual.

They married on September 29, 1951 and raised three lovely children. She always offered them good advice and support.

Jackie loved dinners and get-togethers with their many friends. And most every weekend in the summer, she and Lou invited friends onto their boat out on Fox Lake. They taught their kids, other kids, and adults how to waterski. Jackie’s job would be to hang out in the cold water, saying, “Keep your tips up!” for a good part of the day.

Jackie worked at Illinois Bell Telephone Company and then for Montgomery Ward customer service. When she retired she volunteered at Holy Family Hospital in Des Plaines. She really did like to keep busy.

Jackie was an avid walker, five miles a day. As she got older, the distance would decrease but she still walked every day. As a result, she had the strongest bones around.

Jackie and Lou started a yearly family reunion vacation to Florida back in the 1970’s. The entire family - kids, grandkids, and great grandkids - still get together in Florida at the same place once a year.

Jackie had many friends throughout her life. When she got a bit older, she joined the Red Hats and made more good friends there. She enjoyed talking with and playing games such as 3-13 cards and Rummikub with them. She and Lori’s mother-in-law, Eva, became great friends as well. They saw each other many times throughout the year, and would play cards literally all day.

Jackie was always ready for travel. She had been to England, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Mexico, Leeward Islands, and the Caribbean with family. She always was a central part of the group, telling stories and laughing. Her extended family loved having her around.

Jackie will be remembered as a devoted wife who took good care of her husband, Lou. She was the best mom - present, loving, helpful, who also made great mashed potatoes. A grandmother whose grandchildren enjoyed her as much as she enjoyed them, joking around and listening to her stories. And a woman who enjoyed her friends, always up for a good conversation. We’ll miss her.

Jackie is preceded in death by her husband, Louis John Bierwirth, and her son, Louis John Bierwirth II, brothers Jay and Tom, and sister Sandra.

Jackie is survived by her son Larry Bierwirth and daughter-in-law Joni, her daughter Lori Hajas and son-in-law Peter, and daughter-in-law Debra Jones. Also, grandchildren Megan Berg (Matt), Matt Bierwirth (Megan) Dana Bierwirth, Hannah Downs (Will), Peter Hajas (Caitlin), Eric Hajas, Olivia Hajas, and nine great grandchildren.

A memorial will be held at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois, Saturday, September 28, 1 - 4 pm