Jacqueline “Jackie” Gillespie

JACQUELINE "JACKIE" GILLESPIE, age 83, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late David "Dave" Gillespie and the last surviving member of a family of ten siblings.

Jackie grew up in the Cedar-Central Projects before later moving to the Shore Acres neighborhood, where she and Dave raised their family and built a life surrounded by many dear friends. Together they made countless sacrifices to give their children every opportunity for a good life – gifts for which her family will be forever grateful.

Jackie loved casinos and puzzles, was a talented painter of ceramic figures and ornaments, and was proud of her many years working at Hawken School, a job she obtained to help pay for her children's education there. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, her love for her family, and the life she built with Dave that continues through generations.

She is survived by her loving children, David Jr., Teresa (Dave), and Kevin (Kristen), and her grandchildren Jared, Jenna, Alex, and Sydney. Though her family grieves her loss, they are comforted knowing she is reunited with her husband and her many loved ones who went before her.

In keeping with Jackie's wishes, there will be no visitation and the interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio will be private. A Catholic Mass will be offered in her honor at St. Jerome's Church in Cleveland on March 8, 2026 at 9 a.m.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Dementia Society of America (https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate) for their work with families and caregivers.