Jacueline Ernst

Jacqueline Walker Ernst a longtime resident of Waverly Heights, Gladwyne, died May 24, 2013. She was the devoted wife of Charles A. Ernst, Jr., and loving mother of Charles A. Ernst, III, Anna Julieanna Ernst Geer, and Robert Alexander Ernst. "Jackie, as she was fondly known to her friends, "Mother" to her three children, and "Mimi" to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, was generous in affection to friends and family alike. She grew up in Philadelphia, and attended the Agnes Irwin School on Delancey Street. After graduating, Jacqueline went on to study art in Florence Italy. Upon returning to the states, she married Charles A. Ernst Jr. in October, 1938. They supported each other and their interests for 73 years until Charles' passing in December, 2011. In 1942 Charles served in the Mediterranean and the Pacific on two naval destroyers, both of which were severely damaged. During his lengthy absences, Jacqueline volunteered as a "Grey Lady" providing comfort and care to the wounded at the Valley Forge Military Hospital, while also caring for two young children at home. After the war Jacqueline and Charles divided their time between Gladwyne, Nantucket, and Florida. They also enjoyed traveling to Europe for both business and pleasure. Jacqueline served as President of the Garden Workers- Zone V Horticultural Society of the Garden Club of America, and in the same role for the Nantucket Garden Club. Jacqueline and Charles belonged to the Nantucket Yacht Club and Corinthian Yacht Club with whom they sailed their 40' yawl "Bonne Amie". Additionally, they were active tennis members of the Merion Cricket Club, and golfing members of Merion Golf Club and the Card Sound Golf Club at Ocean Reef Club. She played both tennis and golf well and enjoyed horseback riding and skiing. Jacqueline raised her children to love God and their country, respect their fellow man and find ways to serve others. She shared her many hobbies, sports and vacations with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to her three children, Jacqueline is survived by eleven grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. Services were held Friday, May 31, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Christopher's Church, Righters Mill Rd., Gladwyne.