About Jackie

Jackie’s 35 years were filled with so much love and life. She was a daughter, a sister, a wife, and a mommy.

Of all the things that made Jackie beautiful, her selfless pursuit of happiness for the ones she loved stood out the most. Jackie was a person that made things happen for the people she cared about. She was her family’s social coordinator in many ways. Jackie was someone who loved all of life's little details. And, it was her attention to the little things that made her amazing at planning events and bringing people together.

Jackie loved to travel, and had an eye for art and architecture. A quintissential self starter, she worked hard to make her first trip to Europe happen when she was just 16. She visited Germany as an exchange student.

When she went off to college at the University of New Hampshire, Jackie studied Art History and minored in German. Jackie always talked fondly of her years at UNH, and the friendships she made there continued throughout her life.

Jackie finished her academic career at the University of Virginia, where she studied Architectural Preservation. She quickly fell in love with Charlottesville. Later on, she met and fell in love with her husband Shareef. Charlottesville was where Jackie and Shareef were married and where they started their life and family together.

In 2012, Jackie and Shareef welcomed their first son, Laith, into the world and it is when she became a mommy. Like many first time moms, she felt unsure and nervous. Jackie dedicated her time and efforts and threw her whole self into researching various parenting methods and baby products among other things. But ultimately, despite any of her own self doubts and despite her unending preparation, it was her sweet and gentle nature that made her a natural and loving mother.

Jackie and Shareef eagerly awaited the arrival of their second son Ramzey, in 2013. Although Jackie was never able to meet or hold Ramzey, her love for him was so incredibly strong and evident throughout her pregnancy. Ultimately, Jackie's love for her boys was her greatest adventure and legacy.

Jackie was handed more than her share of obstacles in life, but she always remained an optimist and was able to find a silver lining in every difficult situation. When she struggled with relapsing and remitting health issues that occured through her life, her grace and strength was always present.

Jackie had a sensitive heart. She was a self-described “easy crier” in circumstances both sad and joyful. She loved Star Wars, Excel spreadsheets, springtime, Boston, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, the Oscars, Cosmos, shoes, the Boston Red Sox, Starbucks, the color red, chocolate, decorating, chicken parmesan, New Year's Eve, and Christmas.

Jackie is missed everyday by all who were fortunate enough to have known and to have loved her. Her life and legacy now live on with the lessons she taught us about love, optimism, strength and giving.