Dr. Jacqueline Bearce

Amherst, MA - Dr. Jacqueline Bearce or "Dr. Jackie" as she was fondly known, was born on August 21, 1944, the second of three children, to Dr. Leonard and Rubietta Scott of Bridgeton, N.J. She graduated from Merrimack College in 1966, earned her Doctorate in Educational Psychology from U Mass Amherst in 1981, and became a Licensed Psychologist. She had a strong commitment to public service, especially in the areas of community mental health, ethics, and diversity and enjoyed teaching and guiding students to become skilled, ethical therapists and counselors. Her professional career included work at Mt. Tom Institute for Human Services, Amherst Public Schools, Johnson Community Mental Health Center, Cambridge College, and over 18 years at Amherst College.

She married Charles Bearce in 1967. Though marriage was not forever, their love for their son Ian was, and they were committed to parenting Ian with love and guidance throughout their lives.

40 years ago, Dr. Jackie met Dr. Norma Jean Anderson who introduced her to the National Training Lab where Dr. Jackie served as both faculty and a Board Member. She had a passion for the subjects of race and ethics and conducted many trainings on these important topics. Having experienced racism throughout her life, Dr. Jackie knew its sting and wanted to change that for others. Dr. Anderson also invited Dr. Jackie to join Hope Community Church where she sang in the choir and was a member of the Circle of Elders. She also sang in the Amherst Area Gospel Choir.

Jackie was generous, and she felt her purpose on earth was to bring peace to wherever she could. A lover of games and puzzles, she was known for her competitive spirit and her favorites were the NY Times crossword puzzle, Sudoku, and a weekly canasta game with her cousins. She will be missed by her son Ian (Megan) Bearce, grandchildren Katherine and Austin; her brother, Msgr. Leonard Scott, her sister Linda Scott, Sister Cora Billings; her niece Natalie Pennyman and her children Isaac and Sydney; her cousins Phyllis Jackson, Jo-Ann Marshall, Holly Jackson, Angela Jackson, Henry Jackson, Kenneth Marshall, and Scott (Tuere) Marshall and their children Malcolm and Tyra; Rev. Carlos Anderson and the congregation of Hope Community Church; close friends Caroline Wenck, Joseph Barone, Lisa Wentworth, Betsy Loughran and so many wonderful friends and neighbors who offered their love and support throughout Dr. Jackie's life.

December 12th at 1pm there will be a brief burial ceremony at Wildwood Cemetery. December 13th at 5pm there will be a ceremony at Hope Community Church with a reception to follow at Bistro 63 from 6:30pm-9pm. We will have appetizers and an opportunity for guests to share memories. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the ACLU, or your favorite charity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Nov. 29, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Jacqueline Bearce

6 Entries

Eva Ciulla Sparacio

December 17, 2025

I'm so sorry for your loss. Jackie and I were good friends in high school. I know she will be missed.

Ash Hartwell

December 13, 2025

Jackie was such a warm, loving and radiant spirit. Her presence inspired all of us in the Interfaith Opportunities Network to aspire to her warmth and her embrace of ION´s motto Unity and Diversity. Our prayers for her soul´s Journey.
Ash Hartwell

Debra Edelman

December 9, 2025

Dear Ian
I´m so sorry for the passing of your mother. She was my colleague, friend and boss during my years at Amherst College as a psychologist. We often went out to dinner, saw movies and played cards. I wish I could be at her Memorial but I myself have just finished Chemo and have to avoid crowds. Your Mom and I shared many memories and good times. I will miss her. I trust your good memories will help you through this difficult time. Sending love to you and your family.
With Sincere Sympathy
Deb Edelman

Chad

December 3, 2025

Returning the Love´n Light you gave me. Thank you for that so freely given.
Also for your alto voice, shared spirit in prayer and nationally significant NLT contributions in our shared field.
Strength to her loved ones. Let us remember her remarkableness and giving nature. That we were blessed to have her in our lives~

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Mary Breen

November 30, 2025

Dear Ian,
I was saddened to hear of your mom´s passing. I was her Administrative Assistant with the Amherst College Counseling Center. She often spoke of you, Megan, Katherine, and Austin. I am thinking of you during this sad time, and hope your fond memories will ease your sorrow.
My Sincere sympathy,
Mary Breen

Katie Tolles

November 29, 2025

I knew Jackie through her participation in the Interfaith Opportunities Network where Jackie represented Hope Church. She brought a much needed, and generously given, perspective to a mostly white organization. I feel privileged to have known here, even briefly.

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