Jacqueline Jones

Jacqueline Jones of Mt Kisco, N.Y., born April 13, 1939, to Oscar and Marion Hammel in Locust Valley, NY, died May 4th, 2025. Those who went before her include three sisters whom she cared for (Karen, Eunice, Lea), only son, Jeffrey, and beloved husband, Ward.

Dear Mom, no one was surprised that you died of a broken heart less than three months after Dad, but your death was still unexpected and now we are the broken hearted. You didn't want a funeral or any fuss over you, but I told you we would gather anyway. Did you not realize how heavy the burden of grief would be? You were the one who helped so many of us through grief and now you are gone.

I've reserved a picnic area at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, the one down by Kimberly Bridge where we always went. Next weekend on Sunday, June 22nd, we'll have a picnic. Starting at 12:30, we'll have sandwiches from your favorite deli, and some of the salads and desserts you were known for bringing to potlucks over the years. And then we'll talk about you. You won't be there to stop us! We'll remember the stories you told us about how you met Dad, and how poor you were when you first married; how hard you worked and went to college when Jeff and I were almost grown up; about all the jobs you had, more volunteer than paid, in Hospice, Family Counseling, Audubon, Red Cross; and how you listened, how you served, how you loved, how you laughed, in whatever circle or community you found yourself in; and how that mattered to each of us, the ones you left behind: your daughter, Naomi (Robert); daughter-in-love, Laura Jean; sister Shirley (Paul); grandchildren Eleanor, Anna (Neil), and Alec; great grandchildren, Archie and baby girl Hultgren; nieces and nephews, and many, many friends.

Anyone who knew my mother, Jackie, is invited to join us. We'll be there until there is no more to be said, the tears are all shed, and the laughter is gone.