Jacqueline J. Ondrechen

Beloved mother Jacqueline “Jackie” J. (French) Ondrechen of Lemon Grove passed away on November 26, 2017 at age 92. She was preceded in death by her parents Bianca Skawannetsi (Plante) French and Stephen Oronhiatekha French, her seven siblings, and her loving husband of 60 years, Joseph A. Ondrechen. She is survived by daughters Mary Jo Ondrechen of Hopkinton, MA and Jana C. Hallford of Spring Valley, CA, by sons Joseph A. Ondrechen, Jr. of Valencia, CA, Stephen F. Ondrechen of Austin, TX, and David C. Ondrechen of National City, CA, by daughters-in-law Amy E. Groves of Hopkinton, MA, Mathea Rowe of Valencia, CA, and Lesley Martin Ondrechen of Austin, TX, and by son-in-law Neal Hallford of Spring Valley, CA. Jackie was born in Cleveland, OH on June 25, 1925, the youngest of eight children, and was an enrolled member of the Kahnawake Mohawk band. She earned a Registered Nurse degree from Mt. Sinai of Cleveland School of Nursing and Western Reserve (now Case-Western) University. She worked during World War II for the United States Air Force as an inspector in a bomber plant and served in the Cadet Corps of Nurses. She married Joe Ondrechen, who was then in the United States Navy, on June 12, 1947. As a Navy wife, she always relocated to Joe’s home port and thus moved around the country and across the ocean; her fourth child, Jana, was born in Japan. The family settled in Lemon Grove in 1960, as Joe was preparing to retire from the Navy. She worked for decades as an RN in local hospitals, where she was recognized for her compassion, knowledge, and professionalism. A prominent advocate for the disabled, she worked tirelessly for the rights, education, and acceptance of disabled children and adults. She was a long-time volunteer on behalf of the homeless and was honored for her work with the Interfaith Shelter Network. She also gave years of volunteer service to the Lemon Grove Food Bank. Her Mohawk name, Katsitsaroroks, means “She who picks flowers” and indeed she lived her life surrounded by the beauty that she saw in those around her. She was adored by her family and friends for her wisdom and loving kindness and was often called upon to counsel those in need of advice and comfort. Her children will carry her love and words of wisdom always. All who knew her will miss her radiant presence.

Sharing of tributes and memories will take place at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, December 13th, 2017 at the Little Chapel of the Roses at Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary in Bonita, CA. There will also be a religious service at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 14th, 2017 at St. Philip-the-Apostle Church, 2660 Hardy Drive (corner of Palm and Hardy) in Lemon Grove, CA.

"Donations in Jackie's memory may be made to the Interfaith Shelter Network of San Diego, the Lemon Grove Food Bank, or to the homeless shelter or food bank of your choice, either in Southern California or in your local area."

Arrangements under the direction of Glen Abbey Mortuary, Bonita, CA.