Jacqueline F. Kachik

1931 - 2025

Jacqueline "Jackie" F. (Smerigan) Kachik was called to heaven on Nov. 18, 2025. Very peacefully she took the final journey on eagle's wings to meet her Lord and Savior. Jackie was born on Dec. 8, 1931, in West Aliquippa, to Catherine (Spalla) and Andrew Smerigan. She was a sickly infant and was immediately given the last rites because it was feared that she would not survive. She lived to celebrate almost 94 years of life. People soon learned never to count Jackie out. Jackie grew up in South Heights and then attended Ambridge High School and Duquesne University. It was there that she met Robert "Bob" Kachik and fell in love. Jackie and Bob moved to Washington Township, where they raised their two sons. A change in employment caused them to relocate to Lakehurst, NJ. It was there that Jackie and Bob spent the best 20 years of their lives. They golfed, bowled, and enjoyed the company of their friends and neighbors. Although they weren't invented yet, it appears that they had a self-driving vehicle. Almost every weekend their car would embark for a trip to Atlantic City despite their best intentions to visit the local library or a museum. They eventually moved back to Latrobe and then to Port Saint Lucie, FL. It was there that they concluded their lives together. Jackie had the house of her dreams in what Bob often called paradise. Jackie had a successful career as a schoolteacher. She taught at Mother of Sorrow's School in Murrysville, St. Gertrude in Vandergrift, and St. James in Apollo when class sizes were 40 to 50 students. An avid casino visitor, Jackie enjoyed her time playing at casinos in Nevada, New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Jackie was known for her sense of humor and her love of chocolate. She was a great cook and proudly kept her houses in order. Jackie internalized nothing. She spoke her mind, sometimes to the chagrin of those on the other end of the conversation. Jackie loved dogs, raising Yvette, Boots, and Roots. She helped Larry's dog, Piggy, through a difficult delivery. She was always happy to have Savannah, Jethro, and Elly Mae visit her at The Fountains. Jackie is survived by her two sons, Alan (Pam) of Manassas, VA, and Larry of Clarksburg; grandson, Ryan of Tampa, FL; and sisters, Dolores Sudar and Beverly Mike of Aliquippa. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Jackie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert; her daughter-in-law, Kathy, whom she adored; and her infant son, Daniel Robert. Jackie made many friends throughout life. She wanted specifically to acknowledge the Slifka family for including her in all family functions. She was always thankful for the courtesy shown to her by the staff at The Meadows and Live Casino. Her final days were made as enjoyable as possible by the staff and residents of The Fountains at Latrobe and the great caregivers from Penn Hospice. At Jackie's request, there were no public visitations. A Mass to celebrate Jackie's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at Good Shepherd Church in Kent, PA, where the family will gather in the church lobby to receive friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Private interment will be at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Jackie requests that you enjoy a candy bar as you play your favorite casino game or scratch a lottery ticket in her honor. Arrangements are being handled by LOPATICH-BRINKER FUNERAL HOME LLC, 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com.