Jacqueline W. Townsend

1934 - 2025

JACQUELINE W. TOWNSEND

November 18, 1934 – April 11, 2025

Jacqueline W. Townsend, lovingly known as Jacquie, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, at approximately 7:55 p.m., after a courageous 10-year battle with cancer.

Born on November 18, 1934, to Harley Stumbaugh and Lena Smith, Jacquie grew up in Taft, California, where she spent most of her early life. She graduated from Taft Union High School, where she was honored as Homecoming Queen during her junior year and served as Queen of Job's Daughters. It was in Taft that she met her future husband, Duane, and together they had three children: Eric, Gwyn, and Denise.

Jacquie worked full-time to support Duane through medical school at UCLA before settling into her most cherished role–as "Mom." She raised their children in Rolling Hills Estates, nurturing each of their unique paths: Eric became a scholar-athlete and earned his MBA from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; Gwyn excelled as a champion equestrian, tying for first place in the National Under-18 Hunter/Jumper division; and Denise pursued her passion for performance, earning a degree in theater and entertaining thousands as a singer and dancer on cruise ships.

After her divorce, Jacquie moved to the La Cañada/Pasadena area. Ever resilient, she earned her AA degree from Pasadena City College and went on to manage the EEG department at Huntington Hospital, where she dedicated over 20 years of service. Her commitment to others extended beyond the workplace–she served as a lay minister through Stephen Ministry, offering care and compassion to those in need.

An avid traveler, Jacquie explored the world with tour groups and reveled in lifes adventures. She was a proud member of the Thursday Club and the Red Hat Society, and found great joy in dancing–especially clogging and square dancing with her dear friend Andrew, whom she loved deeply. A voracious reader and a devoted friend, Jacquie had a rare gift for making people feel heard and valued. She was always on the go, spending time with loved ones or lending a helping hand.

Jacquie spent her final months in Atascadero, lovingly cared for by her son Eric and his future wife Jerrie Lynne, in a home where she was treated like the queen she had always been. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, warmth, and a radiant smile that touched the lives of hundreds.

She is survived by her three children and their families: Colleen (and Lupe) Lopez, Nina (and Adam) Hariri, Alexandra Merz, and Lizzy Rose Keiser; as well as her beloved great-grandson, Luca Lopez.

Jacquie will be laid to rest beside her father, just as she had always wished at Greenlawn Memorial Park Southwest on April 24, 2025 at 2PM and a viewing will be held before the graveside from 12PM to 2PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wilshire Hospice of San Luis Obispo, whose compassionate care brought great comfort to Jacquie and her family during her final days.

www.greenlawnmortuaryandcemetery.com

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