Jackie Weaver

Jackie Weaver

1916-2013 Jackie Weaver of Sheffield, Mass., passed away at home on February 19, 2013.

She was born John Helen Cruise (daughter of Gertrude Lillian Thompson Cruise and John Thomas Cruise), November 5, 1916 in Audubon, N.J. She was named after her father, a Chief Engineer of the early oil tankers in the Merchant Marines.

From a young age she had a passion for horses which over the years evolved into a riding and boarding business. She taught literally hundreds of people to ride, many of whom stayed in touch with her throughout their lives. She participated in competitive driving and riding and bred pleasure and show horses as well as maintaining her horse farm in Southern New Jersey well into her 80's. She loved all animals, large and small, especially her dogs, cat Spike, and the profusion of wild birds she fed outside her bedroom window.

In 2003 she moved to the Berkshires to live with her daughter and son-in-law Trudy and John Miller and to be close to her son, Henry Griffith Weaver III. She enjoyed volunteering for local organizations including taking care of the geraniums at the Berkshire Choral Festival and helping with mailings for the Sheffield Senior Center, the Historical Society and Sheffield Association. She was an avid reader, often reading a book a day. After spending most of her life in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey she grew to love the Berkshire Mountains and became a beloved member of the community.

She was predeceased by two older sisters and two half-brothers along with her identical twin sons, Henry G. and John (who died shortly after birth).

Jackie enjoyed spending time in Maryland with her daughter Kathleen Parks (Paul) of Shady Side and granddaughter Kirsten Rowan (Pete) and great granddaughters, Liza and Kate Rowan of Washington D.C. There was nothing more important to her than her family.

She died peacefully at home surrounded by beloved family and pets.

The family thanks HospiceCare in the Berkshires for their loving care and support.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Episcopal & Trinity Lutheran Church 180 Main Street Sheffield, Massachusetts on Friday, February 22 at 1 p.m., the Reverend Annie Ryder presiding. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.