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Jacqueline Ghezzi Obituary

Jacqueline Anne Yuke Ghezzi, (Jacqui), born in Sacramento August 21, 1950 and passed away peacefully at home on September 30, 2009 from pancreatic/liver cancer. Sadly missed by husband Barry Ghezzi, brothers Joe, Jerry and Gary Yuke, wives, nephews and nieces. She will also be missed by her many friends from California to Hawaii, from Washington D.C. to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. She acquired degrees in Engineering from Sacramento State University and Linguistics from Georgetown University, Washington D.C. As DTM/TMP Branch Manager of Cal Trans, she was instrumental in the development of the Lane Closure System, Traffic Ops. Academy and the TMP guidelines. Jacqui was a professional musician. She was a jazz vocalist and performed in several different languages. She was also an outstanding percussionist and saxophonist. An avid golfer since the age of five, Jacqui served on a three member team for the Sacramento Historical Golf Committee for the last several years. According to Jacqui's wishes, there will be a private remembrance.

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Published by Sacramento Bee on Oct. 3, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Jacqueline Ghezzi

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Greg Joseph

April 20, 2025

It's been several years since she passed. To she was bright is an understatement. Always nice, and a natural musician / singer. She designed major freeway projects. May we meet again.

Mary Cerutti

September 27, 2022

No matter how many years go by, I find myself thinking of my dear friend Jacqui very often. She was a steady warm light in my life from when we were both 14-year-old freshmen in high school, and even though she is living in heaven now, she is still shedding that light and warmth. Much love, Mary Cerutti

December 23, 2009

Dear Jacqui,
As the Christmas Holiday approaches, just wanted you to know you are missed and loved and thought of with joy and laughter. Knowing you truly changed my life. Thank you so much for sharing yourself with so many people who loved you.

Stephenie Ghezzi-Arriaga

October 25, 2009

I would like to thank everyone for their support for my dad, Barry, during this difficult time. I would like everyone to know that he reads every entry and is still amazed on how special Jacqui was to so many people. She was the love of his life and I will never forget her.

Jacqui the Extraordinary

Andrys Basten

October 14, 2009

Barry and family,

My cousin Jacqui was one of the warmest humans on the planet and I wish we had lived in the same city, or at least closer.

She was just unusually good-hearted and extraordinarily gifted though you'd not get her to admit that. Most of all she was kind, and fun, and always knew how to make others feel better.
We could use some of that now, but remembering Jacqui, and how she would handle things, can help.

I loved how she and Barry made life a feast - so much to enjoy. May she be continuing that energy in a new life while watching over Barry.

Carol Wilbon

October 14, 2009

A Tribute To Our Friend
Jacqui Y. Ghezzi

On September 30, we all lost a very dear friend. She lost her battle with cancer far too young. Jacqui was a great friend, sister, wife, co-worker, and mentor. She was a very generous woman who loved to play music, travel, hanging out at the beach, playing RockBand, watching movies, learning foreign languages, hanging out with friends and family, and of course laughing.
A gathering to pay tribute to our friend Jacqui will be held on:

Date: Thursday October 15, 2009
Time: 1:00 to 3:30pm
Location: Curtis Hall at the Sierra 2 Center
2791 24th Street, Sacramento, Ca 95818

Jim Mazzaferro

October 14, 2009

Barry - my condolences to you and Jacqui's family - there was nothing better than listening to Jacqui sing. She's singing to the Angels now. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you both.

Rosalinda Santana

October 13, 2009

I want to extend my deepest condolences to Jacque's family. I had the pleasure of working with Jacque during my short stint at Traffic Operations. I loved talking to her as she was the kindest and very approachable person. May she rest in eternal peace.

October 13, 2009

Jacqui was a participant in one of our Caltrans leadership programs. Her gentle spirit and laughter lit up the room as she worked to do her best for those around her. She will be missed. May her family and friends be comforted by the memories of the joy she spread.

Matthew Lease

October 6, 2009

I feel it was my good fortune to have met Jacqui about two years ago, and to have the opportunity to work with her. She is missed and will be missed so very much. Her combination of generosity, humor, talent, leadership and much more was very rare. I will always remember her bright light. My condolences go out to all.

Louise Mueller

October 6, 2009

Dear Barry and Yuke Family,
Knowing Jacqui and being her friend has been one of the easiest and joyfilled experiences in my life...and since we met through golf , "easy" is not really synonomous with that sport! Jacqui's demeanor was so "easy" -- I don't think I ever saw her angry...she was one of the most accepting people I know.We met while in high school at Haggin Oaks jr. girls golf group ...it was 50 cents for 18 holes so you know how long we knew one another!! We played in a tournament every year with my mom and as mom started to lose her memory , she was a challenge to play golf with ...i.e. did I just hit? Is this my ball ? etc. Jacqui always wanted to ride with mom ... and as a matter of fact , called her "mom." I know my mom loved her as much as I... I will miss the ability Jacqui had with so many people that enabled us to pick up where we left off no matter what the time lapse.I am so very glad we had the wonderful Med cruise where I saw Jacqui sing with the group and Barry ...her voice was as smooth as she -- It has been my honor to be her friend and I will think of her and our fun memories whenever I am on the links...

John Favors

October 6, 2009

Barry,
We offer our condolences for your loss. Jacqui was an inspiration to every member of our family. She will be missed. We send our love to you.

John, Diana, JIII, Nikko, Miyuki, and Michael.

Mary Cerutti

October 5, 2009

Dear Barry, Gary, Jerry and Joe,
Although Jacqui and I kept in touch only sporadically as we got into our 40s and 50s, every time we did speak I was instantly transported back to the four years we spent joined at the hip throughout high school. She was the most wonderful friend ever and I loved her dearly. I admired her multitude of talents--music, languages, math--not to mention her warmth, generosity, humor, and loyalty.

The whole Yuke family was such a wonderful part of my youth and young adulthood. Your mom and dad were the best--and I imagine there is a joyful reunion in heaven right now.

The love that came into her life when she met Barry brought her so much joy. I still remember the phone conversation we had when she shyly but with great certainty said, "I met somebody..."

I will always cherish the time we spent together. Love to you all

Doug Asche

October 5, 2009

Barry-
Please know how saddened we are by Jacqui's passing. I just have a hard time not smiling when thinking about her. She brought a lot of laughter and humor to our office when we needed it. The golf tournements she organized for us are legendary and the recalled banter between her, the Gubster and me never fails to crack up my wife.

In the future when you have a chance let us know how you are doing. In the mean time we'll be thinking and praying for you.
...the Duckman

Twanna Melby

October 5, 2009

Dear Barry and family. My heart and love goes out to all of you. Jacqui was a life force within herself and her passing has left a great void in everyone's heart that knew her. Please know that I am holding you and your family up in my prayers. Much love to you all.

Gayane Palian

October 5, 2009

Dear Barry, Joe, Jerry, Gary and family: as they say in Portuguese and as Jacqui would understand: "minha alma chora", my soul weeps. Goodbye my dear, constant friend. May memories of your happy lives together bring you comfort. I will miss her. Gayane

Brian Van Weele

October 5, 2009

Barry and family, I'm very sad to hear of Jacqui's passing. I worked with her in Sacramento in the 70's at PB. We worked together in Austin Texas in the 80's on a tunnel project, and recently had lunch with her in Sacramento. She was a smart, humorous, and a great person. I'll miss her.

October 4, 2009

Dear Barry and family,
We are truly saddened by the passing of Jacqui. We have lost a true friend, you, a loving companion, and her family, a wonderful sister and a fun-loving aunt. And the world lost a vibrant, joyful, talented and generous soul. Please remember that you are in our thoughts and prayers. And remember, too, that Jacqui is at rest now, but her spirit is with us in her joie de vivre, generosity, good humor and song.
In friendship and love,
Cheryl and Earl Burgess

Boyd Phelps

October 3, 2009

Barry and family please my condolences for your loss of Jacqui. I knew Jacqui through my longtime friend Barry. I only met her a few times through music and was very impressed with her musicianship which was truly extraordinary--a very good saxophonist, a marvelous singer and a warm loving individual. When she sang, she made you a believer in the song. She would sing the song as it was meant to be sung without over stylizing it as is the norm today. I knew her as a "true" musician". When a great true musician and loving person is lost from us we are all diminished. Along with you, I'll also miss Jacqui.

Boyd Phelps
4902 Phinney Ave N Apt 5
Seattle, WA 98103

Frank Dupree

October 3, 2009

Barry, I am soooo sorry to hear about the passing of your wife. Rest assured that she is among angels. Let me know if there is anything I can do. Again, my deepest sympathy....Frank Dupree

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