Photo courtesy of Reed & Benoit Funeral Home Inc. - Watertown
Jul 6, 1930 - Jan 28, 2025
I just found out about Jackie's passing , it's so so sad. I delivered to Jackie and she would always have a story to tell. She would show me her water paintings and would always offer me a drink or snack. Oh how I'll miss her. Thoughts and prayers for family and friends
Rachel Jodway
March 12, 2025 | Dolgeville, NY
So sorry to hear this. She always had that big smile at that register n never forget a name. She will dearly be missed my condolences to the whole family
Ray Dolly
February 08, 2025 | Prattsville, NY | Friend
I have very fond memories of Mrs Near from the school cafeteria and also while walking to school as she dropped her son off at her parents' house for child care on Helmer Ave as she rushed to work. The hand over always seemed very dramatic to me. My hearfelt condolences to Jill and all her family.
Gayle Hawley
February 08, 2025 | Dolgeville | Friend
My most sincere condolences to friends and family.
I grew up with the Near family as Jackie's parents, Mr. & Mrs. Wright, lived next door. Their grandson Don, fir whom they did daycare, was a "stroller buddy" before I could walk. From that beginning Don & I proceeded on to trikes, kindergarten, bikes, hikes with their beagle dog Sam, and primary school. My sister Nancy was also friends with Don's older sister Jill. I had many a meal kindly hosted by Jackie. I saw Lowell, when visiting...
Robert Reardon
February 07, 2025 | Somerville, MA | Student
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Dave & Mary Alice Lowe
February 07, 2025 | RODMAN, NY | Friend
Jill and family
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. She sounds like a person who was active and loved life! I’m sure the heavens have given Jackie a resounding ,”Welcome home!”
Dianne Jackowski
February 07, 2025 | Cazenovia | Friend
I always enjoyed talking with her on walks at the lake, as she an Mom would catch up.
Bryan Davy
February 06, 2025 | Middletown, MD | Acquaintance
Jill, Don and families,
My deepest sympathy to you on the passing of your dear mother. Jackie was such a good friend to my Aunt Phyllis. I remember her fondly.
Denise Lyon Bowers
February 06, 2025 | Greer, SC
Sending sincere condolences on the passing our your wonderful Mom
Barbara Hodge
February 06, 2025 | Greenfld Ctr
Jacqueline D. Near-McCarthy, 94, of Dolgeville, NY passed away Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, at Samaritan Summit Village, Watertown, NY., with family members at her side.
Jackie was born in Dolgeville on July 6, 1930, the daughter of the late Harry “Count” and Marion Cramer Wright.
She is survived by her daughter Jill Hyde (George), Adams Center, NY and a son Donald Near (Bob McNabb), St. John, Virgin Islands, daughter-in-law Cindy Gaida Near, Amsterdam, NY, grandchildren: Jessica Hyde (Mike Morisey), Watertown, NY, Jackson Hyde (Rebecca) , Lowville, NY, Jameson Hyde (Philippa), Isle of Jersey, UK, Madison Near Nizolek (Dylan), Saratoga Springs, NY; great grandchildren: Elizabeth and Gavin, Lowville, NY and Harrison, Elliot, Lydia and Paige, Jersey, UK; nieces and nephews: Duane Wright (Mary), Saratoga Springs, NY, Donna Wright Borst (John), Loveland, CO, Gale Wright Comstock (Daniel), Dolgeville, NY, Elizabeth Wright Anderson (Jamie), Emmonsburg, NY, Mathew Wright (Theresa), Salisbury Center, NY, Jonathon Wright (Beth Rockwell), Dolgeville, NY, and Harry Wright, Dolgeville, NY and special friends Maryann and Eli Byler, Little Falls, NY.
Jackie was predeceased by her husbands Lowell Near and Alfred McCarthy, her son Robert Scott Near, brothers Duane Wright and wife Carolyn, Harry Wright and wife Diane, sister-in-law Nancy Near Bailey and husband Bernie, and many special friends and extended family members.
A lifelong resident of Dolgeville, Jackie graduated from Dolgeville High School and was the smiling cashier in the Dolgeville Central School cafeteria for over 25 years until her retirement.
Jackie had a bold and vivacious personality and was always the life of the party. She befriended people effortlessly and was known for her ability to learn about a stranger’s life history within a few minutes of meeting them. She was an avid reader (especially non-fiction) and loved regaling passages of favorite books to captive listeners. She was a great cook and loved feeding people. Homemade pies were one of her specialties.
Jackie was tough, had gumption, and was a firm believer of common sense. She was devoted to her family and to her many pets over the years. She was a hands-on advocate for animal welfare. She was always up on the latest trends and knew how to stretch a dollar. She kept her house, which she and Lowell built in 1955, as well as her lawn and gardens in beautiful shape right up until a fall precipitated her move to Summit Village in October 2024.
A talented artist, Jackie gifted everyone in her immediate family with her watercolor and acrylic pieces. Jackie spent summers with family and friends at her camp (also built by Lowell) on Pleasant Lake, Town of Stratford, NY, where she was still swimming and kayaking at age 94. She had a sense of adventure and loved to travel far and wide with both Lowell and Al. She also enjoyed nothing better than getting in the car and exploring country roads to see where they would lead. In later years Jackie became interested in watching golf and football on TV with her granddaughter and son-in-law.
Graveside services will be held in the summer of 2025 at Salisbury Cemetery, Salisbury, NY. Arrangements are with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Watertown. Memorial donations may be made to your local animal shelter, a volunteer rescue squad in your area or the Dolgeville-Manheim Public Library, 24 N. Main St., Dolgeville, NY. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.reedbenoit.com
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