Jacqueline Kay "Jackie" McDonnell

Jacqueline Kay "Jackie" McDonnell (nee Taghon) passed peacefully into eternal life on January 17th, 2026 surrounded by her loving family who were the light of her world.

Her memory is carried on by her husband John; her children, Jack, Matthew, Elizabeth, and Jenna; her siblings, Tom (Katja), Melanie (Tom Houle), Rachel (Colin Toole), and Andrew (Sarah); her sisters in law, Trisha and Jennifer (John Akalaitis); her 14 nieces and nephews; her uncles Bob (Mariann) and Don Litznerski; her caregivers; and the countless other family and friends who were touched by her kindness.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Sharon Taghon; her in-laws, Thomas and Kathleen McDonnell; her grandparents, Louis and Alice Litznerski and Henry and Ruth Taghon; and her uncle and aunt, Henry and Anita Taghon.

The oldest child of Jack & Sharon Taghon, Jackie was born in South Bend, IN on June 2nd, 1964. She spent her childhood helping her mom take care of her four brothers and sisters, working with her dad at his pharmacy in town, and attending many concerts. She worked to get ahead on her schoolwork and graduated from St. Joseph High School at just 16 years old. From there, she went on to Indiana University where she graduated from the Kelley School of Business with a degree in accounting. After graduation, she moved to Chicago to accept a position with KPMG where she met her husband, John. The two of them dated, fell in love, and were married at Holy Cross Church in South Bend, IN on May 27th, 1995. Their 30 years of marriage were marked by a tremendous amount of joy, love, and the blessing of four children.

Of these many accomplishments, Jackie was always the most proud of being a mom. After working for nearly 15 years, Jackie dedicated her life to raising her children. There was nothing she wouldn't do for her kids. From writing napkin notes for their lunches every single day to chairing the St. John of the Cross endowment fund to ensure they would always have access to great teachers, Jackie never skipped an opportunity, big or small, to make them feel loved. Those in her orbit knew that when an act of kindness was needed, there was no person more reliable than Jackie, whether it be meals, prayers, care packages, or makeup.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The St. John of the Cross Teacher Recognition Trust (https://school.stjohnofthecross.org/m/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=491541&type=d) as an honor to Jackie's commitment to her faith and her children.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. John of the Cross Church in Western Springs, IL on Saturday, January 24th at 11 o'clock AM. A short visitation will take place during the hour preceding the Mass, beginning at 10 o'clock AM. A memorial luncheon will follow Mass, where guests will have further opportunity to pay respects. Interment private. Mass will be available to view via livestream at https://www.facebook.com/sjcwesternsprings.

The McDonnell family extends our deepest gratitude to all who have come to help us celebrate the life of the most wonderful person we've been blessed to know. Jackie put so much kindness out into the world and it's been a great comfort to feel that kindness come back to us in the form of your love and support.

Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside at 708-362-6500.