Jacqueline "Jackie" B Zanck

Jackie was born in Sidney, MT in 1928 to parents V.C. “Mac” and Betty McChesney. Her father was a cowboy and later the town barber. Jackie was the oldest of four children and often helped her mother with the younger ones. This was a prelude to her decision to become a nurse and helping others would be her lifelong raison d’être.

Jackie moved to southern California after finishing nursing school and there she developed a taste for warmth and sunshine. But she met her future husband Gene who was a Marine based in San Diego, and they ended up living in Chicago, Salt Lake City and Spokane. The constant sunshine would have to wait until after Gene’s retirement when they spent winters in Arizona.

Gene and Jackie had seven children in rapid succession and Jackie became a homemaker extraordinaire. If Ginger Rogers could dance backwards in high heels, Jackie could cook four-course homemade meals plus dessert nightly on a tight budget while wearing high heels, a nice dress and looking beautiful. All while singing! She was a neighborhood mom to the hordes of kids who bounded through her home. Her nursing skills were used frequently to heal boo-boo’s including use of the ubiquitous butterfly bandage.

Then there was the lipstick, which she wore almost 24/7. Jackie’s ready smile was always brightened by it and her kisses were always on tap. No one escaped a visit with her without a lipstick kiss tattooed on their cheek or forehead.

A woman of deep faith, Jackie gave her time and talent generously to church, school and community. One of her most lasting endeavors involved successfully resettling a Vietnamese refugee family into the Spokane area.

After raising her children, Jackie doubled down and started a daycare. She adored children. She could be seen blowing kisses on their tummies or whispering in their ears while they giggled with delight. She loved them as her own and they loved her in return. Only after the last of them was safely ensconced in school did she close the business and take a well earned retirement.

Gene and Jackie both loved to travel and enjoyed the RV lifestyle for many years while driving throughout the U.S. They also traveled to Africa, Australia and Europe as part of Gene’s business activity.

Jackie’s many attributes included her grace, intelligence, sharp sense of humor, love of music, poise, immense patience, and genuine interest in others. It was never about her. She was perennially curious, especially regarding science and theology. And she always wanted to know why. Her children take great comfort knowing all those secrets will finally be revealed to her in Heaven.

Jackie’s parting comment whenever we concluded a visit with her was, “Give (your special someone) a hug and a kiss for me.” Yes mom, we will.

Jackie is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years Gene; her daughter Cheryl; her parents, and her brother Dorin. She is survived by her brother Dennis and her sister Carole Bellinghausen; her children, Daryl (Pamela), Barry, Perrin (Mary), Karen (John) Chuday, Gary (Kathy), and Mary (Mark) Brinkman; numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and three members of “The Dirty Dozen,” six couples who remained best friends for over 60 years.

Services will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Spokane Valley.

Rosary: 7pm Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Funeral Mass: 11am Thursday, March 31, 2022

Committal: 2pm Thursday, March 31, 2022 at Holy Cross Cemetery

Those wishing to honor Jackie may send flowers (or in lieu of flowers) donations to:

Catholic Charities of Spokane

Orchard Ridge Senior Living, Coeur d’Alene, ID

Hospice of North Idaho, Coeur d’Alene, ID

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BallandDodd.com for the Zanck family.