Jacquelyn Ann Lester Long passed away peacefully on June 22, 2020, just a week short of her 90th birthday, in New Braunfels, Texas. She was well cared for at Edenhill Communities by loving staff, Hope Hospice and her dedicated caregivers.
Jackie was born and raised in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the border of Canada, and she loved staying connected to her “U-per roots”! She graduated from Michigan State prepared for life as a teacher, and promptly married Richard Long. They began their journey in the US Air Force and Jackie loved their experiences living in Alaska, Michigan, Illinois, the Philippines, California, Maine and Pakistan. They settled in Universal City, Texas in 1969 and she took on many interests. Jackie became a regular volunteer at the Metropolitan Hospital downtown, and then became their Patient Representative for several years, before ultimately returning to her true calling of teaching at Ed White Middle School until she retired. There she found some of her very best friends, soul mates and lifetime conspirators. They traveled, laughed, celebrated and made beautiful memories. Jackie was proud of her children and grandchildren and felt that each was a special gift to the world. She was a beautiful person, generous, compassionate and kind. She had the ability to connect with people from all walks of life and found great joy in making friends and putting together rituals and circles of trust. She always had time to ask people questions and learn about their lives, their triumphs and struggles. It is perhaps in these choices, to always show compassion and interest in others, embrace community and to value the uniqueness that we each bring to life’s situations, that Mom provided the best example. She inspired us to think expansively, live with a generous spirit and keep an open heart.
We want to send a special thanks to April, for taking such good care of mom in her final months; whom mom lovingly referred to as “September,” proving once again that her unique cheeky sense of humor remained throughout her final days.
A memorial service will be held for Jackie at Colonial Funeral Home on Kitty Hawk Road in Universal City, Texas on July 31, 2020 at 2pm. Interment of her ashes will take place at a later date in a private family ceremony.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the health care workers at Edenhill or other nursing home for their tireless work during this pandemic.
