She was born on October 25, 1926 in Washington, D.C., where she was raised, and finished high school there. She met her husband, Owen J. Spell, Jr., at a dance at the Knights of Columbus in D.C., near the end of World War II (which Owen served in, as a Marine at Iwo Jima and Guadal Canal), and they were married soon thereafter when she was 18. They started a family and then moved to Annapolis in 1950, where they opened a business “Annapolis Auto Glass” and built a horse farm on Melvin Road, just outside of town. They began attending St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Jackie was a successful horse trainer, an experienced equestrian, and a beloved mentor to many young riders, who she kept in touch with all throughout the years. She was also instrumental in starting the “Annapolis Pony Club” in the mid-1960’s. In the late 60’s, she started working at The Legislature, where she rose to the position of “Chief Clerk of the House of Delegates” — including preparing the House Bills and calling the meetings to order in Chambers and leading the proceedings throughout Sessions at the Statehouse/Capitol in Annapolis — she was a true public servant. She retired in 1991, leaving behind many, many close friends. During her time at The Legislature, she also was appointed to be the very first “Maryland State Stable Inspector” (animal rescue/welfare) where she could look after the well-being of all horses that she loved so very much. She was such an animal lover. After retirement, she became a volunteer at the A.A.M.C. Auxiliary, where she donated her time and talent for many years to “The Clothes Box” which was located at the Hospital on Jennifer Road.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 20 years, Owen J. Spell, Jr., and survived by her two sons, Stephan W. Spell (and formerly his late wife, Linda H. Spell), and Sterling D. Spell, both of Annapolis (and her daughter-in-law, Jane C. Spell), as well as her two remaining nieces, Diane and Jackie Grinder (and formerly Susan and Theresa), and two remaining nephews, Vincent and Jimmy Grinder (and formerly Stephen.)
Jackie’s favorite past-times were horseback riding, sunning and swimming at the pool, and reading — she was an avid reader who frequented the library that she so loved, and checked out 4 books each week, up into her 90’s — she had such a thirst for learning. She also enjoyed traveling, and had the opportunity to visit many of the 50 states during her time at The Legislature, while on business. Some of her personal travels included trips to Greece, and many trips to St. Croix, USVI to visit some of her closest friends who lived there. She enjoyed watching her favorite TV shows, and spending quality time with her many friends and with her sons and their wives. She will be sorely missed by many. Jackie will be remembered for her kindness, giving spirit, humility, joyful nature, great sense of humor, and so much more. She is so dearly beloved and we will miss her more than mere words could ever begin to express. She loved you all!
Funeral Arrangements/Celebration of Life: Saturday, January 23rd at John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester St., in Annapolis. Visitation: 11-12 noon. Service and Sharing Time: 12-2. Committal Service: 2:30 at Hillcrest Cemetery, 1911 Forest Drive. Family and Close Friends may visit at Taylor’s — masked and socially distanced. Note: Due to limitations on how many can attend the service in person, please reply to the Taylor's Funeral Page under Jacqueline Spell’s Obituary, to let us know if you are planning on attending her service in person.
Note: The service will be Live Streamed from John M. Taylor Funeral Home Facebook Page (facebook.com, John M. Taylor Funeral Home) so that all may attend safely. We hope to see many of you there. (You don’t have to have an account with FB. When it gives the option to create an account, just say “Not Now” and it will take you right into the page where you can view the service.)
Memorial Donations, if desired, can be made to New Chances Animal Shelter, 16503 Jones Road, Henderson, MD 21640. E-mail: [email protected], c/o Mike & Sandy Fitzpatrick, or call 410-482-2710 or 301-440-3285.
Donations can also be made to The Funeral Service Foundation, COVID-19 Crisis Response Fund: "Grieving Alone and Together: Responding to the Loss of Your Loved One during the COVID-19 Pandemic." Contact [email protected] or call 410-263-4422. Thank you.
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