Jacqueline Berkowitz

Jacqueline Rae (Tally) Berkowitz passed away peacefully at home in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 23, 2025. She is survived by her beloved husband Aaron, her daughter Lisa and husband Gary, her step-daughter Leslie and husband Jan, her cherished grandchildren Karl, Sara, Mikael, and Brandon. She leaves behind many loving family members including great grandchildren and her nephew, Richard. Jackie was preceded in death by her son, Navy Petty Officer Clifford "Mark" Schoonmaker, her brother Robert, and her parents, Chester and Thelma Tally. Born on July 13, 1933, in Phoenix, Arizona, Jackie attended Garfield and Whitier Elementary Schools and graduated from North High School in 1951. From an early age, she loved playing piano and acting in school plays. She was a loving mother and raising her two children was her pride and joy. Her strong work ethic and leadership were evident throughout her 18-year career at Barrows Furniture in Tempe, where she began as a receptionist in 1976 and rose to the position of store manager before retiring in 1994. Jackie was a passionate volunteer, giving her time and energy to numerous organizations, including Tempe Community Action Agency, Tempe Rotary Club, North High Alumni Association, and Arizona Historical Society. These roles brought her immense joy and life-long friendships. She was known for her sharp wit, intellect, and sense of humor, and she left an indelible mark on her family, profession, and community. Her hobbies included travel, riding her motorcycle, gardening, baking cookies, golf, competitive rifle shooting, crossword puzzles, weekly Mahjong with her girlfriends and spending time with her Chihuahua, Taco. She and Aaron, who first met in the 4th grade and reconnected at their 40-year high school reunion, were married on March 29, 1997, and recently celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary. They both have amazing memories of their travels around the world. Jackie has great friends in her Stone Mountain neighborhood and will be dearly missed by all of them. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to her caregiver of the past two years, Bernadett, for her love and compassion. Arrangements are in the care of Messinger Indian School Mortuary, Scottsdale. A graveside memorial service will be held on Monday, June 2nd at 10a.m. in the Serenity Mausoleum at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arizona Historical Society or Hospice of the Valley. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jacqueline Berkowitz, please visit our floral store.