Jacqueline Averill Wente

1935 - 2024

Jacqueline Averill Wente

April 17, 1935 - August 23, 2024

Jacqueline Averill Wente passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024, at Our Lady of Hope Health Center in Henrico, VA. She was born April 17,1935 in Brooklyn, New York. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, John Anthony Wente Jr. The daughter of the late William and Gertrude Averill and granddaughter of Margaret Barry Crowley, she was also preceded in death by her brothers, Barry Averill and Edward Averill; and special cousin, Nancy Reilly Schultz.

Jacqueline's pride and joy was her family. She is survived by six children, Therese Gibson and husband, Jamie of Charlottesville; Mary Ann Peppiatt and husband, Brian of Richmond; Ellen Harmon and husband, Scott of Roanoke; Tom Wente and wife, Brenda of San Antonio, TX; Neill Wente and wife, Electra of Bedford; and Kristin Jones and husband, Marshall of Richmond.

Jacqueline was the proud grandmother of 17 grandchildren, Kathleen (Grant) Dragan, Emily (Michael) Pruett, David (Mallory) Gibson, Julia Peppiatt, Harry (Alice) Peppiatt, Will (Megan) Gibson, Irene Peppiatt, Phillip (Ellie) Harmon, Sarah Harmon, Aidan Wente, Henry Harmon, Elise Wente, Barry Jones, Audrey Jones, Ingrid Jones, Huw Wente and Hans Wente. In addition, she had 11 great-grandchildren, Bailey and Declan Dragan; Grayson and Colm Pruett; Jameson, Jax and Scarlett Gibson; Lilly, Gemma, Brendan, and Thea Gibson.

Jacqueline's early years were spent in Brooklyn, surrounded by her mother's large extended Irish Catholic family. World War II took Jacqueline's family south to Tampa, FL, New Orleans, LA, and Houston, TX, where her father insulated Navy ships. Jacqueline loved spending time in conversation with her Grandmother Margaret and exploring New Orleans by bike with her brother Barry and spending summers at Camp Waldemar in Hunt, TX, with her cousin Nancy.

Jacqueline attended the University of Kentucky where she met the love of her life and future husband, Jack Wente, on a hayride sponsored by the Newman Center. Jacqueline graduated with a B.A. in English from the University of Louisville. After the birth of daughters Therese and Mary Ann, Jack attended medical school and Jacqueline taught high school English and French at Assumption High School in Louisville, Kentucky. After Jack graduated from medical school, the family lived in Seattle, WA; Staten Island, NY; and Norfolk, VA before finally making Bedford, Virginia their home.

Jacqueline's life was centered around her faith. She began and ended each day in prayer. She was active in religious education, liturgy, and floral decoration ministries at Holy Name of Mary Church in Bedford, VA. A strong advocate of Catholic education, Jacqueline volunteered for many years as a tutor, public information officer and school board member for Holy Cross Regional School in Lynchburg before serving on staff as a college counselor. Well into her 80s, Jacqueline received letters from former students thanking her for her help and guidance. Jacqueline was also an instrumental force in founding the Bedford Hospice House. She helped raise over a million dollars to get it started.

Jacqueline had a special "joi de vivre!" She would often break into spontaneous song. She was like a whirlwind-strong, vibrant, always attacking the tasks at hand. A talented cook and writer, she added a touch of dazzle to every occasion. She celebrated life!

Jacqueline died as she lived with grace and dignity. She never lost her sense of humor or missed an opportunity to lift up those around her with an encouraging word or a smile.

She would love it if you would remember her by doing a kind deed, keeping the peace, or saying a prayer. If you would like to donate to the Friends of the Bedford Hospice House or the Salvation Army, these were ministries dear to her heart.

Visitation will be held Wednesday (today), August 28th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bliley's – Central, 3801 Augusta Ave, Richmond. On Thursday, August 29th, there will be a Mass of the Resurrection at Saint Bridget's Catholic Church (6006 Three Chopt Rd. Richmond) at 11 a.m. A graveside service will take place on Friday, August 30th at Resurrection Catholic Church, 15353 Moneta Rd., Moneta, Virginia at 12 p.m.

As mom was fond of saying as we would part: Goodbye, Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehen. God Bless you and I love you. We love you, too.