Jacqueline Dirsa

Jacqueline "Jackie" Dirsa, 81, a resident of Haverhill, died peacefully on Friday evening July 21 after enduring a series of complications post heart surgery. Jackie inspired her family with kindness, passionate generosity, and above all, infinite love.
She was born in Lawrence, MA on April 7, 1942, the first of three children to John and Florence (Licciardi) Paolino. In 1952, her father died, and later her mother married Peter Stack, who became a second father to her. Jackie had a congenital heart defect and was told she wouldn't live into adulthood. At the age of 17, she chose to undergo open heart surgery at Boston Children's Hospital. Her fighting spirit brought her through to a miraculous recovery. Though doctors warned she should be cautious with her health, she forged on to live a full and wondrous life.
Jackie graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1959, and then Merrimack College, in 1964. In 1967 she married the love of her life, Mitchell P. Dirsa. Together, they enjoyed scuba and skin diving in the coastal waters off Cape Ann, tending to their gardens and nurturing their life-long love of learning. Jackie cherished summers on the ocean in a trimaran Mitch built, and later enjoyed lobsters and fish caught on the 'Jackie D'. A devoted math teacher at Methuen High School for 40 years, she taught each student with compassion and joy. She received a Master of Education in Mathematics from Cambridge College and a Master of Computer Education from Lesley College. As her children were approaching college age, Jackie pursued a second career as a realtor, working at Preston Real Estate in Seabrook, NH for nearly 15 years. After each full day of teaching, she drove 'to the beach' to work long hours selling houses.
Jackie retired in 2004 so she and Mitch could care for their grandchildren. She reveled in her growing family and fostered a loving home filled with laughter. In addition to their doting duties as grandparents, they enjoyed memorable visits with family in CA, OR, MA and ME, and vacations in Nova Scotia. She especially liked reading, cooking for her family, and cheering on the Celtics.
She is survived by her children who she loved endlessly, Ann Marie Dirsa of Salem, NH, David J. Dirsa and spouse, Stefanie Lewendon of Brentwood, NH, Jules P. Dirsa and spouse, Melanie of Haverhill, and daughter-in-law, Savannah Dirsa of Bolton, MA; her grandchildren who she treasured, Cassandra, Natasha, Hannah, Jonah, Luca and Jack Dirsa, Joseph and Carolyn Guerrera; her sister, Janice Pacht and spouse, Dick Krause; her sisters-in-law, Patricia Brooks, Joanne German, Maureen Dirsa, and brother-in-law Gregory Dirsa; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Joan Martinoli, son-in-law, David Guerrera, son, Peter J. Dirsa, and most recently, her beloved husband of 55 years, Mitchell P. Dirsa.
The family would like to express gratitude to the nursing staff at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston for their expert care. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the Boston Children's Hospital Trust.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited for visitation on Thursday, July 27, from 5–7pm at the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.