The Lord released Jackie from her earthly duties on February 17th and peacefully took her Home. She was surrounded by loved ones.
She had a wonderful, loving marriage with Bill Covey, that was made in Heaven. From that marriage, God gave them four sons and nine grandchildren. Jackie and Bill met when they were in high school, and they were together from that moment on, for a total of 71 years.
Jackie attended South Pasadena High School and graduated from Occidental College in 1956. After graduation, she taught at elementary schools in Los Angeles, Monterey and in Arcadia.
She then did extensive volunteer work in the San Marino School system, while her four sons, David, Bruce, Bret and Scott attended schools there. In 1972, she began assisting her husband Bill, by attending many of the various functions at Huntington Memorial Hospital. Bill was a vice president of the hospital for 25 years.
After Bill’s retirement in 2000, they spent time traveling the United States and Europe. However, the highlight of each year was when the whole family (as many as 18) had the annual Newport Beach trip. Jackie cherished this gathering as she had time to love all the grandkids and had everyone together in one place.
In 2020, the Lord advised them to move from their San Marino home of almost fifty years and relocate to a home next to their son Bret, where he and his family could help take care of Jackie and Bill in their later years.
Jackie’s whole life was centered around her family. She was most often seen with a grandchild asleep in her arms or preparing or leading one of the many family functions. Jackie was the ever encouraging and supportive mother and grandmother.
She was gracious to everyone she came into contact with, friend and stranger alike. Jackie was wise, kind, and loved her family. Her home was always open and has blessed so many people over the years.
Jackie will be deeply missed by her husband Bill, her son David, her son Bruce and his wife Jackie, her son Bret and his wife Dawn, and her son Scott and his wife Amy, and her nine grandchildren: Chris, Rachel, Claire, Jason, Ty, Will, Jack, Kate and Nora, as well as her nieces and nephew, Katie (Braislin) DuBois, Robin (Braislin) Ciancimino, and Tom Braislin.
There will be no service, but a “Celebration of Jackie’s Life” by an informal gathering later in the year. Those wishing to attend, please email “CelebrationforJackie@outlook.com” for details.
