Jacqueline "Jacky" Esper

Jacky Esper, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025 in Southfield, Michigan, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Jacky was born on August 28, 1945 in Surrey, England to Frederick and Ellen Jelley.

Jacky earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Wayne State University. After raising her children, she returned to the workforce, serving for many years as an aide and substitute teacher at the Birmingham Public Schools Early Childhood Center. She also worked as an administrative assistant at Wayne State University and Oakland Community College.

Jacky was an avid reader and a cherished member of the same book group since 1978, where she formed lifelong friendships. She lived an active and vibrant life, enjoying long walks, water aerobics at the Beverly Hills Club, and-beginning at age 50-a newfound passion for ballet. She took classes at Christina's Adult Ballet in Farmington Hills and continued dancing with joy until her illness in 2025. Jacky also loved exploring the world, traveling throughout Europe in recent years and embracing each journey with wonder. Her affection for animals remained constant throughout her life; she cared for many beloved dogs and cats and especially enjoyed walking her dogs through the neighborhoods of Birmingham.

Beloved wife of the late Tim Esper for 43 years. Devoted mother of Patrick (Carrie) Esper of Rochester Hills, Michigan, Caroline Olsen (Jonathan) of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and Meghan Esper (Tim Kelliher) of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Loving grandmother of Madilyn Esper (12), Miles Esper (10), Emmett Olsen (15), Bellamy Olsen (13), Julian Kelliher (6), Nicholas Kelliher (4). Jacky is also survived by her sister, Maureen Dye (Gordie) of Holmes Beach, Florida.

In line with Jacky's wishes, a Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday morning, February 7th, 2026 from 10am-2pm, at the Birmingham Community House (380 S Bates St., Birmingham, MI 48009). This will be held mostly as an "Open House". At 11am there will be a more formal program of a few specific people speaking about Jacky, this will last for about an hour. To anyone who loved Jacky and would like to come and celebrate her life, share a story, or give a hug, please feel free to come.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Forgotten Harvest.