Jacquelyn P. Ferraro

Jackie was born in Yonkers, NY in 1934 to Mary and John Patrick Downey. She shared a childhood with her two loving brothers, Patrick and Kenneth Downey. Jackie graduated Commerce High School in 1952. After graduating high school, Jackie pursued her career as a secretary. Later in life, she discovered her love for working in the restaurant business. Jackie was dedicated to her work and enjoyed getting to know her customers. She was known for her strong work ethic and proudly continued working until eighty years old.

Jackie married Nicholas Ferraro in 1955. Jackie is survived by their three beloved children, Gayle, Jackie, and Gary, and two loving grandchildren Nicholas Ferraro II and Meaghan McGrath (Tein). Jackie was predeceased by her son-in-law, Tim McGrath, and her former husband, Nicholas Ferraro.

Jackie was proud of her Irish Heritage; two of her favorite songs were “Danny Boy” and “When Irish Eyes are Smiling.” She often reminded her children to “never forget they were Irish.” She was softspoken yet had a wonderfully feisty wit when voicing her opinion, which made us all smile. One of her biggest joys was St. Patrick’s Day when her son-in-law cooked her corned beef and cabbage.

She enjoyed her apple martini. While out to dinner with her family, Jackie would often tell the bartender how to make her drink and the server how to make her dinner. She loved blackjack, scratch-offs, and crossword puzzles, but most of all she loved books. Jackie read a new book every couple of days and enjoyed donating her books to the library. She loved to rescue cats and bring them home. Her cats, Smoky and Bandit, brought her so much joy. Her greatest joy came from being with her family and comforting visits from Timbo, the family retriever.

Over the past year, Jackie endured new and difficult health challenges that required great effort and determination for her to recover. Her hope to one day go back home provided her the courage and strength to push on while keeping her dignity and grace. Jackie was spunky and loved to challenge her healthcare workers as well as her children. Her sharp wit kept everyone on their toes. Jackie was so loved, and we will miss her dearly.

The family would like to extend special thanks to her caretakers at Sans Souci and her hospice team who showed compassion and respect to Jackie and to the family at the end of Jackie’s life on earth.

Honoring our mom’s final wishes, the family will have a private interment at Gate of Heaven in Hawthorne, NY.