Jacqueline Rae Whitehill

Jacqueline Rae Whitehill, a cherished soul whose warmth and love knew no bounds, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 19th, 2024. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her devoted husband Richard; her loving daughter, Lisa, and her son-in-law, Andrew; her adored granddaughters, Haley and her husband, Nels, Taylor and her fiancé, Michael, and Malory; her treasured great-granddaughter, Estelle; and her brothers, Tom, Moe, Steve and many nieces and nephews. Jackie was greeted in heaven by her mother, Donna and her youngest brother, Doug, who preceded her in this journey.

Born on the 28th of September 1948, Jackie's life was a testament to love, resilience, and the power of family. She married her lifelong sweetheart, Richard, in July of 1967, after they both graduated from Papillion-LaVista High School. Their story is one of enduring love, having been high school sweethearts who navigated life's ups and downs hand in hand. Jackie selflessly put her career aspirations on hold to raise their beloved daughter, Lisa, while Rich bravely served as a Marine in Vietnam. In the years that followed, Jackie dedicated herself to a career as a paralegal, where her dynamic personality and unwavering integrity earned her the respect and friendship of many prominent attorneys in Omaha. Jackie's magnetic presence and genuine kindness helped her forge countless lifelong friendships, transcending the confines of the workplace and enduring through life's inevitable changes and challenges.

Jackie's love for travel and adventure was infectious, especially her fondness for Florida and the quaint charm of Anna Maria Island. Her generosity knew no bounds, as evidenced by the unforgettable family vacation she organized in 2017, allowing everyone to experience the island's beauty together. Jackie also cherished the holiday seasons, creating lasting memories with family and friends. Notably, our Thanksgiving weekends in Colorado, cheering for the Huskers and enjoying the simple pleasure of a beer at a local dive bar, were made unforgettable by Jackie's ability to make any place feel like home. Her knack for enhancing the ambiance with just her presence, and perhaps a pack of her signature cocktail napkins, was unparalleled.

But Jackie was so much more than the roles she filled within our family. She was the heart and soul, the matriarch who effortlessly kept our family connected, making sure that no distance was too great to bridge and that strangers felt the warmth of family. Jackie had a unique gift for making each person feel deeply valued and loved, leaving an indelible mark on every life she touched.

As we gather here to celebrate Jackie's remarkable life, we are reminded of her love for a grand celebration. She would have been overjoyed to see us all together, commemorating her journey and the profound impact she had on our lives. In honoring her memory, let us embrace her spirit by holding our loved ones close, cherishing each moment, and never taking for granted the gift of family and friendship.

Thank you, Jackie, Mom, Grandma…for the love, laughter, and lessons you've given us. Your light will forever shine in our hearts, guiding us with the same love and grace you showed us all.

VISITATION for Jacqueline will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. FUNERAL SERVICE Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 9:30 AM, all at Kahler-Dolce Mortuary, 441 N Washington Street, Papillion, Nebraska 68046. BURIAL at Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Road, Omaha, Nebraska 68138. Memorials suggested to the Dementia Society of America.