Jackie was a devoted Catholic throughout her life and cherished her faith, family, and friendships above all else. She graduated from Denby High School in Detroit and went on to earn an Associate of Science degree from Macomb Community College, a graduate from their Respiratory Therapy program.
Jackie married Edward Gagnon, on April 4, 1959. As their kids were growing up, boating with their family was among Jackie’s favorites, a time when everyone could be together. Jackie and Ed enjoyed many trips to Mexico and the Caribbean through the years. They proudly celebrated their 50th anniversary aboard the Cunard’s Queen Mary in the Caribbean. Jackie and Ed shared 55 years together before his passing. For 21 years, Jackie and Ed called Naples, Florida, home, where they built a life filled with family, friends, and many happy memories going to concerts from Ed’s band the Southern Comforts, where he played the steel guitar.
After Ed’s passing, Jackie returned to Michigan to be closer to her family. She embraced life at Fox Run in Novi, where she made many friends, especially her dear friend Penny, and enjoyed playing mahjong with them. She also loved playing euchre, knitting, bingo, going out to eat, and following Michigan State University basketball and football. She was a devoted MSU fan, proudly watching and supporting the team and keeping track of their winning streaks.
Jackie had a generous and creative spirit. She loved quilting and sewing and used her talents to make blankets, and other items to donate to hospitals and those in need in the community. She was a member of a sewing and quilting club at Fox Run, where she enjoyed both the friendships and the opportunity to give back to others.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Julie (Craig) Waldron, Joseph Gagnon, and Suzanne (Matthew) Anderson, and was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth Gagnon. She was a cherished grandmother to Heather (Joshua), Allyson, Lauren, Paul, Cameron (Amanda), and Natalie. She was especially excited to welcome her first great-granddaughter, expected to arrive in January.
Jackie is also survived by her sister Cheryl (Paul) Haines and her brother John (Lin) Jacques, and was preceded in death by her brother Charles (the late Barabara) Jacques. She leaves behind many treasured friends in Naples whom she remained close to and continued to keep in touch with even after returning to Michigan. Jackie was preceded in death by her beloved miniature yorkie, Banjo, who held a special place in her heart.
Memorial instate Tuesday, October 13th from 10am until time of Memorial Mass at 11am at St. Malachy Catholic Church 14115 E 14 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48312.
A funeral luncheon will follow after Mass at Ike's Restaurant, 38550 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights, MI 48312.
The church will be unable to accept flowers the day of the Memorial Mass for Jackie. In lieu of flowers, any donations made out to your charity of choice or Angela Hospice, 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48154, are appreciated.
Inurnment to take place at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East in Clinton Twp at 2:30pm following the luncheon. We will meet inside the front gates of the cemetery by the front office. When everyone has arrived we will process over to the grave together.
