Jacqueline Halperin Kantor

Jacqueline Halperin Kantor, age 100, died on January 23, 2023. Although it is difficult to
describe someone whom you loved your whole life, I will proudly tell you about my rather shy
mom.
Mom (Jacqueline Halperin Kantor, known as Jacque) was born and raised in Chicago,
Illinois. Her family lived on the top floor of an apartment building, on South Shore Drive, that
overlooked Lake Michigan. Her father was typically on the road. He was a partner and editor
with the entertainment publishing company, Variety, managed talent, and was the Midwest
representative for USO Camp Shows. He was also the chairman of the Amusement Division of
the Chicago Commission on National Defense. His wife, May Torgatsch, was
a devoted housewife and mother. Mom had a younger sister who is predeceased,
Bernie Mosow.
Mom was partially raised by a nanny (Nana) and proudly claimed that she was a tomboy.
She loved fishing, killing snakes, and shooting a bow and arrow. She always said that her father
had wanted a son so he raised her, in part, the way that he would have raised a son.
Mom attended Ohio State University where she was in a sorority but quit school during World
War II. On November 17, 1942, she married the love of her life, Philip Kantor, at Fort Benning,
GA. Having met on a blind date planned by a cousin, Mom and Dad shared 75 wonderful years
together.
Following World War II, Mom and Dad made their home in Clarksdale, Mississippi and then
Memphis, Tennessee. Mom devoted her life as an involved and loving mother, grandmother,
and great-grandmother. She loved family and they always came first. In Clarksdale, she was also
very involved with Temple Beth Israel. She had several close friends, most of whom also moved
to Memphis. The entire family, for years, vacationed at Sanibel Island, Florida, primarily
because of Mom's contagious love of seashells; we all mastered the "Sanibel Stoop". There was
nothing more important to Mom than being with our family.
When I was a young child, I remember that she played golf regularly and was on a bowling
league that won several trophies. For several years, she played Maj Jong with friends
regularly. And as a teen, I realized that she was exceptional at crossword puzzles; Mom
enjoyed them her whole life. She was a wonderful home cook and had artistic talent such
as painting ceramics. She also loved holiday decorations and even won home decorating
contests! Mom was from a generation of social etiquette, and made sure that Hal, Judith, and I
knew how to do things that were valued and respected many years ago.
Mom and Dad had 3 children: Hal Halperin Kantor, Judith (Roger) Stone, and Linda (John)
Parkinson; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.
Dad is predeceased (2018), as is her sister, Bernie Mosow. Mom leaves her loving family,
cherished friend Muriel Forman, and devoted caregivers. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a
children's charity of your choice.
Contact Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, for more
information. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a children's charity of your choice.