Jacqueline Mae (Opie) Laubner

Jackie was the beloved daughter of Charles “Jack” Opie and Lillian (Coles) Opie. She married Karl Laubner in 1968, and the two remained soulmates even past Karl’s death in 2016. Jackie spent her years along the coast, calling Nahant, Swampscott, Lynn, and Marblehead home.

A skilled writer herself, Jackie loved a good book and found nothing nicer than the feel of a broadsheet newspaper in her hands. She enjoyed music, retreating to the piano at any time she could take a moment for herself and play. She had inherited her love of the piano from her dad, who would play beautifully by ear each night when he returned from work. Painting, whipping up outfits on her sewing machine, and more, she was a Renaissance woman who never knew she had talent.

Jackie’s only child Eve (Laubner) Bassett, Eve’s husband Wilbur Bassett, and their two sons Will and Gus were graced by Jackie’s love, living with her in the same home since 2016. An incredible force in her grandsons’ lives, Jackie modeled what it means to be strong, good, and true. She also was a vital member of the household, preparing the boys’ clothing for school, helping with homework, and sharing love at all times. Her daughter had grown up with this love, with Jackie and Karl hosting exchange students, being enthusiastic Lynn Public Schools’ Band Boosters, and wanting all good things for their child. During two periods when her daughter lived abroad, Jackie sent a handwritten letter by mail each day to keep Eve close at heart while encouraging her to spread her wings.

An excellent student, Jackie completed her bachelor’s at Salem State and master’s at B.U. With these degrees, she taught English, Latin, elementary grades, and even Cooking and Sewing during a career that spanned more than three decades. Following her retirement, Jackie coordinated the Newspaper in Education Program for the Daily Item.

Jackie was grateful for her husband Karl; beloved grandsons Will and Gus and their parents Eve and Wilbur; the Laubner family, including a loving group of nephews and nieces and their children; the Bassett family, especially Wilbur’s sisters and niece; her friends from Lynn and from the DAR; and her special cousin Judy DeCrisci and Judy’s two daughters.

Jackie had an amazing serenity right up to her passing. She was close to God, never worrying about differences in religion but focusing instead on universals: faith, hope, and kindness. While her family will miss her forever, she will stay in their hearts, and the modeling she did as she went through life will make them better people.

Jackie’s family is honoring her wish that friends and family not have to worry about visiting hours, Mass times, and putting on good clothes to attend services for her. So, for a fitting tribute to Jackie, her family asks you to consider doing the following while keeping her in mind: Hug a loved one; do a good deed; and take care of yourself.