Jacquelyn Alice Kotarac M.D.

In Loving Memory of Jacquelyn Alice Kotarac, M.D. August 29, 1960 - August 28, 2010 Jacquelyn Kotarac was born on August 29, 1960 in El Centro, CA. Known to most as "Jackie or Jack", she is preceded in death by her parents, John and Edith Kotarac and her special dog "Queenie". As a young girl, Jackie found joyful delight with her first love, horses, and competed in jumping and hunter competitions. Occasionally, she enjoyed lacing up her rollerskates and skating the rinks with wishful poise of a champion. Additionally she found solitude and contentment cultivating her garden. Jackie graduated from UCLA School of Medicine with honors in 1991 and completed her residency at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, where she excelled and started on her way to prominence in her chosen field of medicine. Now known as Dr. Jacquelyn Kotarac, she shared her deep love for medicine by serving as an Associate Clinical Professor at UCLA School of Medicine. Words such as intellectual, brilliant and luminous in the diagnostic field of medicine are suitable adjectives but certainly do not come near to describing her God given gift. Jackie had a very successful Internal Medicine practice in Bakersfield that had grown significantly attracting many local patients. Her dedication and devotion to patient care was the hallmark of her practice and the cornerstone to her beloved position in the medical community. Her compassionate approach to her patients will forever be remembered and missed by all that had the privilege to know her and share her loving heart and kindhearted care. In 2003 her valued contribution to the medical field was honored by being voted Chief of Staff at Memorial Hospital, a position that she gratefully accepted and fulfilled with great pride. Jackie is survived by her sisters, Marcia Kotarac-Carrillo, Yvonne Kotarac, Carolyn Lucas, and Nancy Parberry; her most special brother, William Leatherberry; numerous nieces and nephews. She has also left behind her dedicated and loyal staff, who helped make each day of her life meaningful and contributed to the excellent patient care she provided to all. Additionally, many medical colleagues and numerous close friends have found an emptiness not soon to be filled. Words do not come easily, our hearts are saddened and our sorrow is ever so deep, we can only rejoice in the knowledge that Jackie is at peace with our Lord. Memorial service to follow on Sept. 18th (more info as available). www.bakersfield.com/obits

This obituary was originally published in the Bakersfield Californian.