Jacqueline Kulbako Pelles

Age 70 of Germantown, MD
Jacqueline Kulbako Pelles, 70, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her parents, Jean and Paul Daly, and her aunt, Elizabeth O'Brien.
Born and raised in Hudson Falls, NY, Jacqueline earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Russell Sage College and her Master's in General Administration from the University of Maryland.
Jacqueline dedicated her life to the nursing profession, which she considered one of her greatest joys and privileges. In the 1970s, she worked on a medical-surgical unit at Memorial Hospital in Albany, NY, before moving on to the ICU at Albany Medical Center. In the 1980s, she relocated to the Washington, D.C. area, where she worked as an Occupational Health Nurse for the Public Health Service (PHS), providing care to employees at various agencies. She later held positions at Delmarva Foundation for Medical Care, Georgetown University Hospital, and Medstar Washington Hospital Center, where she spent her final 23 years as a Case Manager.
A passionate traveler, Jacqueline cherished her trips to Europe with her daughters, appreciating the architecture, history, art, and meeting people from different countries. She was particularly fond of visiting the Vatican in Italy and exploring her Irish roots in Ireland, as her mom had encouraged her to do. In Ireland, she enjoyed the magnificent green hills, The Cliffs of Moher, and the Irish music and dancing.
While working at Washington Hospital Center, Jacqueline met and fell in love with Social Worker William Pelles. After a long engagement, they married and enjoyed traveling to the Jersey Shore and Cape May, as well as living near the nation's capital. Living near Washington, D.C., they appreciated access to the museums, monuments, and of course, the beautiful Cherry Blossoms. Jacqueline had a deep love for dogs and rescued several over the years, including some with disabilities.
A loving mother, Jacqueline raised her two daughters as a single mom and felt blessed to have four grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. She cherished the time spent with them, whether in person or regular calls on Facetime. The family spent her last days together in Ocean City, New Jersey.
With unwavering strength and faith, Jacqueline battled cancer for two years, never giving up hope even in her final days.
She is survived by her husband, William Pelles; daughters, Kate (Mark) Pecaro and Rachel (Chris) Vennitti; grandchildren, Madeleine, Harrison, and Juliette Pecaro, and Vincenzo Vennitti; sister-in-law, Annmarie Pelles and Joanne Vennitti; and brother-in-law, Bob Pelles (Robin), all of whom she deeply loved and touched.
The family expresses their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Lombardi Cancer Center, Medstar Washington Hospital Center, Medstar Home Care, and Samaritan of Vorhees for their exceptional care.
A celebration of Jacqueline's life will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 11 am at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church (11701 Clopper Rd.) in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.