Jacqueline M. Whinihan

Jacqueline Marie Whinihan

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on May 12, 1942

Died on October 3, 2025 and resided in Troy, Michigan

Visitation: Tue Oct 21 4 – 8 PM

Sharing Memories 7:00PM

Desmond Funeral Home 2600 Crooks Rd, Troy, MI 48084

Funeral Wed Oct 22 10 AM

St Anastasia, 4571 John R, Troy 48085

Jacqueline Marie Whinihan (nèe Zemaitis)

Jacqueline is survived by her husband, Michael; her children, Joan and Tom; her former daughter-in-law Jessica; her 3 beloved grandchildren, Madelyn, Samuel, and Abigail; and her brother-in-law Steve and sister-in-law Susan.

Jacqueline was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She got her undergraduate degree from Rosary College and two subsequent masters', including one in Library science. She taught middle school from 1963 until she went on maternity leave in 1974. She met her husband, Michael, through the Catholic Alumni Club in January 1972 and after he accepted her proposal, they were married that Thanksgiving. They subsequently had Joan (1974) and Tom (1978), and she stayed home to raise them. She returned to working, this time as a librarian, in a few short-term assignments until she began working for the Taylor Community Library in 1988. She thrived as the children's librarian and took great pride in both how often the books she selected for the library were requested internally and externally, as well as how patrons would seek her out specifically for help locating resources. She took great pride in her family. She enjoyed knitting, reading (particularly Murakami), and playing piano, particularly Bach and other baroque composers. She also enjoyed photography and the music of Andrés Segovia. She was raised Catholic, and whenever she had a chance, she would attend mass. When her mobility became an issue, she would watch livestreams of masses to stay in touch with her faith.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Library Association or to feed the homeless at

St. Aloysius Neighborhood Services

1234 Washington Blvd

Detroit, MI 48226