Jacqueline M. Coghlin Kelliher

On November 14, 2024, Jacqueline Coghlin Kelliher, 97, of McLean, VA, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family.
She is predeceased by her husband Maurice A. "Bud" Kelliher. She is survived by her seven children, Maurice A. "Mak" Kelliher, Jr. (Barbara) of Pawleys Island, SC, John E. Kelliher (Kathy) of Warrenton, VA, Michael J. Kelliher (Jody) of Williamsburg, VA, James T. Kelliher of New York, NY, Mary K. Bowden (Lance) of Clifton, VA, Edwin P. "Ted" Kelliher (Sheila) of Stephens City, VA, and Joan K. Fisher (Benton) of Falls Church, VA. She was also the proud "Gram" of Kevin (Bethany), Jessica (Spence), Molly (Rick), John (Catherine), Tommy, Rachel (Jack), Hannah, Scottie, Joe (Kathryn) and Jackson, and "Great Gram" of Holland, Sawyer, Ava, Jacqueline, and Cooper. She also treasured her special relationship with grand niece Nora and grand nephews Ethan and Caelan Collins. She also leaves many nephews, nieces, grand nephews, grand nieces and Godchildren.
Jackie was born in Worcester, MA, on March 11, 1927, the daughter of Edwin B. and Beatrice Jaques Coghlin. She was lovingly raised by Margaret Degnan Coghlin after the death of Beatrice in 1932. She was predeceased by her brothers Edwin B. Coghlin Jr., John P. Coghlin and sister Joan Coghlin. She is survived by her sisters Ann C. Ratte, Worcester, MA and Carolyn Bennett, Middleton, MA and sister-in-law Maureen Coghlin, Shrewsbury, MA, and brothers Dr. Thomas Coghlin (Betsy), Saunderstown, RI and James Coghlin (Nancy), Shrewsbury, MA.
A Mass will be held Monday November 25th at 11:30am at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 6420 Linway Terrace, McLean, VA. Family will receive friends before Mass beginning at 10:30am. Jackie requested that in lieu of wearing black, attendees may wear joyful colors celebrating her life.
Jackie graduated from Classical High School, Worcester in 1944 and from Wheaton College in 1948. Jackie and Bud were married on October 30, 1951 at Blessed Sacrament Church. Although she moved from Worcester over 70 years ago, finally settling in Virginia in 1962, her love for the city never faded. Once in McLean, her family, friends and Parish, St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, became her focus for the next six decades. She enjoyed her 98 summers at Shennecossett Beach Club in Groton, CT, where she was lovingly called "The General". Jackie cherished her family, friends and faith above all else, welcoming all who came through the door.
Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial Mass Saturday December 7th at 10:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 551 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA. Family will receive friends before Mass beginning at 9:00am. Interment will follow in St. John's Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street, Worcester. Dirsa Morin Funeral Home, 298 Grafton St., Worcester MA is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. at lupus.org or to Vitas Healthcare at Vitas.com.
Her family takes great comfort in knowing that Jackie is finished with her "Laps with the Lord". She is now "Jogging with Jesus".