Jacqueline Salonikis

Jacqueline "Jackie" Salonikis, 76, passed away on February 5, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida. Born on March 3, 1948, in Buffalo, New York, Jackie lived a life full of warmth, determination, and an unwavering commitment to those she loved.

Jackie dedicated herself to caring for others. She always knew she wanted to be a nurse. She started as an LPN at Degraff Hospital, eventually getting her bachelor's degree from the University of Buffalo at the age of 40. She found fulfillment as a hospice nurse and remained active in her profession until September of last year.

Jackie was known for her friendly and feisty spirit-she was truly a law unto herself. She had a gift for making friends wherever she went, and once you were her friend, you were one for life. Her presence was larger than life, and she brought joy to those around her with her humor and unwavering love.

She leaves behind her daughter Marcy Mickelson (Dan) and her grandchildren Samuel Gardner, Allan Mickelson, Erik Mickelson (Trystan), and Erin Steidl (Adam), along with her cherished great-granddaughter Alice Gardner. She was a beloved sister to Karen Pershyn (Don), Pat Denny (George), Sue Jones (Phil), and Kathy Duquette (Ed). Jackie will be missed by her dear friend Patti Braunscheidel and her step son Donald Korff. She also held a special place in the hearts of her godchildren: Jeanette Mahiques, Mark Sandekian (Angela), Carrianne Pershyn (Ben), and Jessica Duquette. Other nieces and nephews include Thomas Pfeiffer (Shannon), Jason Sandekian (Katie), Cassandra Pershyn, Carla Shumake (Scot), Patrick Jones (Michaela), Katelyn Diminuco (Frank) and Kelly O'Neill. Beyond blood, to so many more than those listed here, she was simply "Aunt Jackie" or "Gramma Jackie".

Jackie found joy in life's simple pleasures-smoking cigarettes while making friends, sharing stories with loved ones, bragging about her grandchildren, playing cards or games with family and friends. She had an enduring love for Elvis Presley and Mickey Mouse and never passed up an opportunity for an adventure or a spontaneous jaunt with those closest to her.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. May those who loved Jackie find comfort in the laughter she shared and the friendships she nurtured throughout her remarkable life.