We were roommates throughout college and learned so much about life together... Jackie's smile and laugh was contagious and her heart was full of fun and love for everyone.  So many memories to reflect back on, and to be so very grateful she was a part of my life.  May she rest in peace. 
 Sincerely, Mary

Scott,
Our friend group at Providence College is so saddened to learn of Jackie's passing.  It took a little while for word to filter through, but maybe this message is reaching you, your mother, and Jackie's kids at a reflective time.  Jackie was the coolest kid at school...period.
We all looked up to her and to a certain extent, she kept us all in line...well, kept us from getting too far away from that line anyway.
We loved her...absolutely loved her...her laugh, her smile, her positive energy.  Our world has lost a big ray of sunshine and I hope you and your family can find comfort in the knowledge that Jackie touched so many lives.
That's what it's all about anyway.
Attached are some photos from 1982 -1984.
Take care Scott...my thoughts are with all of you and with your sister.
Peace,
Leo Cavanaugh
Providence College '83
LeoCav4@gmail.com

Jackie was a friend and roommate my senior year at PC with the Mary’s. She always had a smile on her face and I can still see and hear her laughter. Social work back then and  continued to be her passion.  Gone too soon. Her light and love will shine upon those she loved. RIP. Sending prayers and condolences to her family. Bask in the memories. Peace. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

My deepest condolences to Jackie’s family.  She was a kind, caring and thoughtful leader, and I always knew I could turn to her for help and ideas. Even though we worked in different organizations, she made it clear that we were in the work together.  It is heartbreaking that we have lost her too soon. May her memory bring solace, peace, and strength to all who loved her.

To the family of Jackie McKelvey: deepest condolences.  I loved having Jackie as a colleague- I'd look for her in a room; her smile was warm and welcoming, she was calm, passionate and reasoned.  She brought  light to every room.  
May her memory be for a blessing.

So sad to hear about Jackie!  I worked in the clinical department 
at Mercy First for many years.  
One day, by chance, Jackie lead the adoption status meeting.  When a child I was seeing came up, I told her that his foster parents had no intention of adopting him.  Jackie turned to the caseworker and asked if that was true.  When the caseworker said it was, Jackie said, "get him out of that home immediately"........that was Jackie!  She was Mercy First!

Helen Barron

I adopted my son through Angel Guardian and we were in the final stages of the process. Although Jackie was high ranking at the time, she decided to personally interview me for our final home study, expressing concern about the speed of the process. Her actions were critical to our adoption being finalized. I was so grateful for her personal care and concern. Poignantly, Jackie died on my son's 25th birthday.  Farewell, lovely lady.

my deep condolences to family and close ones; a nice memory:
one afternoon i was leaving the office, and my path crossed with Jackie; i was feeling sad and i just told her: I am so sad, my dear friend M. passed away , she replied: he must be proud of you and your work and is watching over you...
RIP dear Jackie, and thank you for all you did on behalf of children and families.  FLY HIGH

Jackie was one of those people who could walk into a room and command it just with her presence and when she spoke, she always knew the perfect words to say. She was kind, inspiring, and has made such a lasting impact on myself amongst many others. I am both grateful and proud to hold her in my heart as not only an amazing leader but also as one of the most passionate and heartfelt people I know. She was greatly admired and well respected by all. Sending my condolences to her family, friends, and to all those who have been lucky enough to have her in their life.

My deepest condolences to Jackie’s beloved children and family members. I knew Jackie as a fellow working mom and colleague. Jackie was an exceptional social worker who brought extraordinary energy, dedication, passion and joy to all who were lucky enough to work with her. She was tough and demanding and always expected the best from us.  She was kind and compassionate, but her respect was earned.  When you received it, it was worth everything. 
Jackie gave me the opportunity to be my best, and I will always be grateful to the doors she opened for me and the opportunities she allowed me to pursue.  I share the heartbreak of all who mourn her. She was taken too soon. May her memory be a blessing.

Jackie and I began our careers together as young social workers. We became friends and shared in our professional and personal journeys for 40 years. She was a dedicated leader in the child welfare field.  But most of all she was an incredible and proud mother. I always commended her on her children’s accomplishments which is a true testament of her love, guidance and teachings. Chris, James and Marisa, praying God will keep, strengthen and protect you. ❤️
I miss her terribly but will always carry her in my heart. I am here for each of you at any time.

I love you and I will certainly miss you very much ❤️

Jackie was a phenomenal woman and she means so much to me. I’m forever thankful for all of the lessons, wisdom, kindness, mentorship and support that she bestowed upon me. She challenged me to be a better version of myself and instilled confidence in me. 
Jackie exemplified the qualities of a great leader without missing a mark on compassion, fairness and integrity. She dedicated her life to ensure that children, youth and families all across NYC who endured trauma were safe, hopeful and have better outcomes in their lives. 
So many times, I had situations and she was always my go to person. She’s irreplaceable.
My favorite quotes from her are “Help me understand” and “What do you think we should do?” It was her way to involve you in making a plan to improve on whatever the situation was. 
I’m thankful that God blessed me with the opportunity to have known such a wonderful person.  She’s truly an inspiration and I’m sad that she’s gone but I know that God has the final say.

To her children, mom and family members, please accept my sincere condolences. My prayer is that you will find peace and solace with time. I pray that her memories lives on forever in your hearts.
With love,
Shantell Lewis❤️

I can't remember a time in my career when I didn't know Jackie.  We both worked for foster care agencies in Brooklyn and when mine closed it was her agency that picked up our group homes.  Our paths continued to cross until just before her last day at MercyFirst.  She was a consummate professional; devoted to the mission of her agency and child welfare.  There is no one who can fill those shoes.  To her family and loved ones I send my condolences.  May her memory be a blessing

A remarkable, exceptional, one in a million woman who started out as someone who randomly checked on me when my mother, Juanita Padilla spent late nights in the field, who eventually became my leader, who eventually became my teacher and mentor, who ultimately, I am blessed to call a friend. You leave an everlasting footprint in all the lives you touched, especially mine with your many virtues of kindness, generosity, wisdom, passion, integrity, courage, compassion, love and so many more. You were always there for me, and I will forever carry you in my heart. I will take the lessons learned, your words of wisdom and encouragement and continue to make you proud. I will miss you here on earth, but I will work tirelessly to make sure we meet again in heaven. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Rest in the eternal peace you deserve and graciously earned. I love you, Jackie!

Shooting Stars blaze brilliantly and captivate and grab our attention. They blaze by and etch themselves in our memories and hearts. We never forget being captivated by them. Jacqueline McKelvey was a shooting star. She captivated and caught you with her blazing light. Guided you and her impact on you just stuck. My condolences to her family for their loss. I pray they find peace and comfort in knowing the impact Jackie had on all her knew her. Her star shined bright and remains etched in our hearts.

My condolences to the McKelvey Family. I had the honor of working closely with Jacqueline in NYC. She was a pleasure to work alongside.  Jacqueline cared deeply about the work and doing it well! Thank you family and friends for sharing her with us.  She is a treasure that will be with you and so many others forever.

My deepest sympathies 
Jacqueline O. McKnight

What a heartbreaking loss. You never wavered in your belief in others dear to you. You have demonstrated such  incredibly powerful strength during times where others would have fallen. Through the unjust, you have triumphed. Your legacy will live on through all those you have touched so deeply. Thank you for the wisdom you have imparted, for your endless support, and for epitomizing that “Hope is Unstoppable.” May you rest in the peace you deserve dear Jackie.

I am still numb and trying to find the words to express the gift Jackie was to myself and so many others. I will forever be grateful for the years I had her as my boss and thankful for the friendship we developed. Jackie's legacy will live on in so many of us and I will treasure our time together always. Sending love to her beautiful family- you were all her pride and joy, most especially her sweet granddaughter Charlotte.

I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Jackie in the NYC child welfare system.  Jackie was a kind person with a bright light and a dedicated child welfare professional.  May her memory be a blessing.

Jackie McKelvey, I didn't know much about her personally, but what I did  know,   she always gave Respect and listened to whatever you needed to say, no matter what it was about. Jackie McKelvey, will be missed, for sure. My prayers go out to the family, know that she will forever be in my heart.           BE BLESSED 
Love
Mary Johnson

Angel Guardian Youth Development banquet 1999! Jackie was an amazing mentor to me, a brand new social worker. She taught me so much over the 8 years that I worked with her and I will never forget her care and kindness, love for the children, and infectious smile❤️ This world lost a beautiful soul but her light lives on in all the people she touched throughout the years.

My deepest condolences and love to everyone in the McKelvey and Lopez families.  Jackie was a beautiful person, inside and out.  I am blessed to have known her.

OBITUARY

Jacqueline M. McKelvey

March 10, 1961 – March 16, 2024

Harmon Funeral Home

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