Photo credit: Sophie LeMay
I am done being poked, prodded, cut, and poisoned.
Somehow, it seems I am finished with my work here on earth as well.
Chicago treatments aren’t working.
Why?
They were not able to replicate what I was receiving in Istanbul closely enough.
Should I have stayed in Turkey? Maybe, but I was not near remission there either…my body couldn’t hold onto the progress I’d made there through so many brutal treatments. I’ve lost ~6 months of hard work.
I’ve loved being home with John, Sophie, and Grant and would have made this tradeoff to come home with full knowledge of what would happen.
At some point, even with integrated chemotherapy, the bone marrow gives out.
I’m nearly there, and nowhere near remission.
There are no effective immunotherapies that seem to be ready for me now either.
We have done absolutely everything, but I am suffering. It has become hard to eat and drink, with cancer disrupting all of that.
My body is done. It’s time to find peace and pass as painlessly as possible.
We are initiating hospice.
A few last thoughts…
I’m glad I learned…
- How much I love my family. John, Sophie, and Grant are my favorite people. Rocky too. Being with all of them has been comforting.
- How liberating it is to dissociate from emotional toxicity…better late than never
- How much I’ve enjoyed being alive for as long as I have been
- How to navigate cancer, with John’s constant partnership, to be alive and mostly out of pain this long…NOT without complaint, mind you. This whole thing is obscene. Courage amounted to going through these treatments, anyway.
I wish…
- CA125 testing were standard for perimenopausal women (note you can ask for this and order it yourself through any number of lab services, e.g., requestatest.com); there are many false positives but secondary imaging will let you know if you need to take action (which could be as simple as having your fallopian tubes removed)
- Gynecologists listened to women coming in with unusual symptoms (bloating, UTI’s, post-menopausal bleeding) the first time
- The integrative care I received in Turkey was fully available in the US
- Effective treatments were available for the majority of ovarian cancer patients – chemo simply doesn’t work most of the time.
- Chemotherapy for all cancers is ultimately replaced by immunotherapies that don’t damage our bodies
- Preventive cancer care, including clean nutrition and environments, becomes normal from birth on. This would be “gold standard of care.”
- I could stick around for the fun part with John, Sophie, and Grant
- I had more time to live, love, work, enjoy
I hope…
- Sophie, Grant, and John can remember me when I was well, forgive me for not being able to stay that way, and live fully without me
- That you will help them do that and keep them company; there is never a good time to leave
- That their memories of me provide comfort as they navigate a new normal without the wife and mom they knew until now
- That my words provided some inspiration along the way, and they might continue to do so (Currency of Empathy holds true; Cancer Culture: Fixing the Landscape by Infusing Empathy to be published soon…)
- That life in some form continues so I can keep my family company somehow…I believe this is true…I just don’t know how. Soon, I’ll find out. It’s a big adventure, really. I’m not afraid of death, just the painful part before the transition…
- That I get all the answers to the questions I have about health, life, the point of everything…my version of heaven. Even Google can’t do all that.
- That my dad meets me on the other side
- That in the life after this time on earth, I again experience the kind of wholeness and joy which has been hard to access while accepting cancer treatments, dealing with many constraints, and living with constant discomfort (who knows how it works but maybe pizza and wine come back on the celestial menu…Minna’s dumplings and peach cobbler, Aunt Rusty’s spaghetti, Grandma Acho’s tacrathas)
- That you who get to carry on here with life on earth, enjoy retirement, have fun with your spouse, travel as much as you’d like, watch your kids graduate, become adults, get married, and have kids (if they so choose).
- That you get to rock your grandkids…that maybe you’ll even rock mine and somehow let them know how much I love them already
I’m grateful…
- For the unfettered love I’ve experienced in my life
- For the partnership and family John LeMay and I have built; may it sustain him even in my absence…as I’ve told him, he’s so loveable and deserving of partnership in his life still, but I get first dibs in heaven.
- For the work I’ve been able to do in the world
- For a healthy body that supported all of that for ~50 years, with hardly a thought about time limits
Maybe we always want more time.
I bet we do. I know I do.
But it’s time to rest, and I’ve earned it.
Thank you for your company, love, and prayers.
Much love back to you.
Peace and love to you and the family Jackie.
xo
You are and will always be a huge gift in this universe and in my life. Thank you for teaching me.
Much love back to you
You’re an incredible person and inspiration, Jackie. Thank you for sharing your journey and your lessons. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Ty🙏
So much peace and love. You’ll always have a place in my mind and my heart.
Xo
Jackie, you never do anything in half measures including how you say good bye to all of us who have watched, listened admired, laughed, and cried from you before and during your cancer journey. You are truly a gift on earth and heaven is gaining a wise and empathetic angel. Your legacy will continue.
Xo
This makes me so sad and yet emboldened too. You have been a shining example of grace and beauty, intelligence, inspiration, love and steeled resolve. May God lead you home to a place where pain is no more and light shines perpetually. May your family find peace and those of us who know you keep you in their hearts and memories.
🙏❤️😘
You deserve a rest now. You impacted alot of people’s life’s and we all love you.
Ty🙏
Maybe one day words will come. Even then, they’ll never be enough. Thankfully, you already know. 🍀
🔮 I Love You!
Yes I do
Love you too!
Jackie – your words are heartfelt and inspirational. I don’t know you personally, but it is clear you are a gift to the world. Thank you for sharing your soul. My deepest appreciation to you and family.
❤️🙏
You are such a brave warrior. I have so many fond memories of our cooking and eating adventures so many years ago. God’s peace be with you. You are so loved.
Thanks so much🙏
Jacky
You made everyone you came across feel wonderful. Thanks for caring for everyone so much and taking the time to share your journey, even as you part from the earth. I will see you on the other side and we will go on our hike.
Love you
Love you too Carmen
I treasure our time together at Hawken and all the love and encouragement you generously shared with our budding thespians. I wish you peace, release, and eternal love on your continued journey. We are honored to have shared a small part of it with you.
The feeling is mutual
Ty❤️
Jackie,
Your voice in your writing is beautiful, even in the most excruiating moment. Your impact on so many people, your beautful children, your impactful work…will continue to live on for a long time. I have faith the Hawken community will step up to help your grieving family and hopefully give them way to move forward to find the joy I know you want for them.
Sincerely,
Scott
Ty🙏
Jackie – Just saw your beautiful farewell. You are, indeed, a blessing to the world
You will be missed but your presence wil be felt for a long time! May your passage be an easy one. God’s peace.
🙏
Jackie:
I am humbled and inspired by your courage, your honesty, your pure love for your dear husband and dear children. It has been and continues to be a privilege to pray for you and your family. I only wish I had been there in person.
Love you,
Leslie from Team Jackie
Ty so much for your steadfast fellowship
Much love
Oh Jackie, this world is a better place because of you. Your love, beauty and inspiration has been a gift. We are lifting you and your family up in prayer. You are all so loved. Peace my friend. Love you.
Great words from a truly wonderful human. I think you’ll always inspire me, because your voice has been so consistently positive and thoughtful. You’ll always resonate with love energy. I’ll miss you! . ❤️❤️
Xo
Love u too
Thank you for all your wisdom. We’ve never met but you’ve inspired me to live my life fully. Sending love to your family as they navigate the days of grief ahead May your journey forward be peaceful lovely lady.
🙏
Jackie, I wish I had gotten to spend time with you when I was in Cleveland. Your words have touched my heart and my soul. You have given us so much of yourself. I don’t understand life and each of our journeys. I so hope we do have another time and place to give us the answers. Thank you Jackie for sharing your life with me. Bless you and your family.
Ty🙏
Dear Jackie.
We, embrace you , we from Azerbaijan who got to know you because if your dear friendship with Aida Huseynova in Istanbul. Aida passed in June this year but you meant so much to her and she shared your graduation speech with us which was the best graduation speech we had ever heard. Thank you for taking your pain and questions and search for answers and being such an inspiration to us. We embrace you and send our deepest gratitude.
I think of Aida often with love
Thank you for sharing 🙏❤️
Jackie, John, Sophie, and Grant –
I really only know about you because I know, love and adore people who know, love and adore you. Please know that your presence and influence is deep and touches us all, whether we’ve had the privilege to know you directly or as admirers of your’s. May you find the peace, wisdom and comfort in one another that you have so graciously shared with all of us.
Ty🙏
I wrote this first for the family of a beloved patient who died, and have revised several times with nodal deaths in my life. This is your revision. I have never shared it before a death. Your gift of letting us know that you are done, calls me to share it with you now. I know you will receive it, recognizing the respect and love that calls me to send it.
A Prayer for Those Who Still Survive
Tenderly, time called her name
She answered and was born, again
Released from life, released from pain
At her request, at last death came
Reconciled and full of Grace
The kiss that’s laid upon her face
Lifts her home where she belongs
Among the good, the healed, the strong
Leaving us with one last gift
To see a life so fully lived
To see the meaning of this life
Fulfilled by those who still survive
Surrounded by her legacy
Her spirit set forever free
No longer bound by words of earth
She sings a joyful song of birth
And we who love her feel the song
To love, she tells us, we belong
Scott Frank, 2001. Updated for Jackie Acho, 2022
Beautiful
Ty🙏❤️
Dear Jackie:
It has been a very long time since we last saw each other or spoke. I am so sorry to learn about this. I have many hours of prayer coming up as the Yom Kippur holiday approaches and I can promise that you and your family will very much be in my prayers. Your life has been a blessing to others and it will be up to us to keep your goodness alive, by carrying on your legacy. I will do whatever part I can in making sure that that happens.
In brokenness,
Robbie
Ty🙏
So beautiful an inspiration truly leaving a legacy!
Ty🙏
I knew you were an exceptional person during the summer we worked together at Dow Corning. You were incredibly bright but also had such an infectious personality and zest for life….I knew you were destined to do great things which you most certainly did. Your work and focus on the power of empathy is exactly what this world needs…we need all people caring for one another for mankind to reach its true potential. You were a brilliant scientist but I always knew your true gift and passion was connecting with people. You have left such a positive impact and legacy which will carry on with all of us. You have shown all of us that love is the true answer.
Ty🙏❤️
You will always be in my thoughts and in my heart. Forever. You are the most beautiful person I’ve ever known – or will ever know – in every way that word has meaning. Thank you, Jackie. Thank you for being you and giving the world your all. I love you.
Ty
Xoxo❤️
Oh dear Jackie,
Your courage, your words of wisdom, your never-ending empathy and what you have taught us all about empathy will be only a part of your ever-lasting legacy.
What an inspiration you are!
You are loved and will never be forgotten.
Ginger Ratcliffe
Sweet Jackie I don’t know that there are words for this. Even through this ordeal you have worked to guide us, to help us understand not just the science (or frustrating lack thereof) but also simply and importantly- how to just be. You and all your loved ones are in my heart
xo
Dear Jackie, it has been such a gift to read your blog, feeling like time shrank a bit, back to when we first met and you told me about your Come To Jesus talk before deciding on marriage to John. We were such babes. Sharing your learned wisdom with all of us has permanently impacted me for good. Thank you so much. I look forward to the next life when hearing about our Come To Jesus talks will have new meaning. Love to you all.
Xo
Dear Jackie,
I am awed by your fierce awareness and authenticity in letting go, when there is so much to let go of – for all of us. We sojourners and survivors have so much to pay attention to. Thank you for caring even at this moment in time. I am grateful for your allowing me to be with you each Wednesday evening and to hold you in my heart during other days. Your spirit will live on in who you have been and who you are in this moment. With much love,
Eleanor Hooks
I can’t thank you enough for your loving company. Blessings to you. Xo
Oh Jackie. How I love your openness, your forthright and insightful nature, your loving wit, your clarity. I wish you all of these things now and every day. I adore you.
What an amazing, courageous woman! Your generosity is your legacy. I cannot thank you enough for all the learning.
ty
Oh, Jackie. Such difficult news to process. Please take comfort in that you are loved, you have made a difference in so many ways and that your work and legacy will live on. Prayers to you and your family.
Jackie thank you for the inspiration that is YOu. I am so grateful to have known you even for this short time when most of it was characterized by cancer. And yet that didn’t prevent your spirit, your empathy, from breaking through to everyone you encountered. Thank you. Well done life and the gift of you.
Thank you for being so open and sharing your journey. I wish you peace and love and will be praying for you and your family.❤
Ty🙏
Thank you for sharing all your experiences. I am so damn sad for your family. Please accept my love as you walk your final lap
Jackie the best memories I have is when we used to go skiing coming to your house going to the club I will cherish those moments forever . I admire your courage and strength I know that you will have the best second life in heaven this is hell on earth you will be reunited with your dad and loved ones,, i love you god bless you.
xo
Jackie
Please know how impactful and heartfelt your story has been. Your words and courage to share the most difficult parts of the last couple of years is astounding. Your children will be loved and they will know what a fighter you are. The fact that you are finding peace and sharing your comforting words to others is a testament to the kind of badass woman you are. Thank you for being part of the church Village years ago when the boys attended Sunday School. Thank you for teaching others the true meaning of Empathy and thank you for being you.
❤️❤️
xo
Jackie, wishing you the painfree peace you so deserve.
I do admire your courage at every stage of this. I’m grateful to the gifts you have given to the world. Your family will feel your Spirit -. I believe this – and it will always enrich their lives. Godspeed, my friend. I add mine to all the love surrounding you and hold you through this transition. May it go easy.
Jackie, sending you so much love as you enter into this next space. Your courage is beautiful. Your family is amazing. I have loved knowing you. In sadness and love,
Anna
Oh, Jackie you’re an amazing person I will never ever forget our friendship and the love you always gave me. You know I was always told you get very few friends in a lifetime. But the Lord has blessed me with many and you and your family are in that number.. I love you Jackie..
love you too
Dear Jackie,
You know everything I have to say, but I’ll say it again to share with you and others. We have not left anything unsaid … and we say it again and again because it is that deep.
You are an extraordinary woman, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and leader. Sophie, Grant, John and Rocky (and many many others) will always remember you well. You have created the most beautiful family and a strong and durable foundation for them and for others. I know your father is waiting for you on the other side.
Your work on empathy and building awareness in all who you touch is extraordinary and will last. Ditto for your work on cancer, therapies, and moving our understanding forward. Your work has changed individual lives, institutions, and communities.
I know that you will always be sitting with me, in my heart and just floating above my right shoulder. We will be sipping coffee and eating that sweet chocolate marshmallow on the banks of the Bosporus in Istanbul…. or perhaps getting that facial at Kate Somerville in Hollywood. Know that I will always be here for John, Sophie and Grant. I love you so much and that will never end. We are together forever, just like they say in high school yearbooks. Love and peace, Jackie. Thank you for all you have given me and so many others.
Dear Jackie,
I’m so sad to read your news, but I so admire your bravery and your honesty with your health. You have impacted so many people in your life, and your work on empathy has impacted me deeply. My heart hurts for John, Sophie and Grant (though I know none of you personally). While I know that nothing will be the same in their lives once you have left this earthly plane, I wish them all peace. May your memory always be a blessing in their hearts.
I wish you comfort and peace. I will keep you in my thoughts. God speed.
ty so much
You have fought a hard battle. Sorry to hear that it wasn’t enough. Thank you for all the information you have given all of us. You will be missed and loved. Proud to be your cousin. Thoughts and prayers for your family and you.
Jackie, so sorry to read this. After going through what my family went though with my mother’s cancer journey, I know your road has not been easy. Sending so much love and light your way. Know that your posts and teachings have resonated with me deeply. Thank you for being such a good friend to my aunt and uncle as well — your family is always welcome at any Pollock residence. Prayers 💜
xo
Dear Jackie— My prayers have been with you and your family daily and will continue. May you have the peace that surpasses all understanding, comforted by so many who love you. I am forever grateful for our time at McK together, and I am honored to know you. All my love to you and your family.
xo
Thank you for sharing. I am sad and heartbroken. For some reason, I was looking to hear that breakthrough has happened and the beauty that you see in living, in this world and your contributions to making this world more empathetic and beautiful would just go on. I will be part of your team to spread your words and all that I have learnt from you. Wishing you peace and calm 🙏🏽
xo
My dearest Jackie, if I only had a fraction of your eloquence to find the words I want to say . . . Truly you are not leaving us because your beautiful soul has touched our hearts, and that will remain forever. I wish John, Grant and Sophie strength to find peace, and I hope and look forward to one day seeing your smiling face again.
xo
Jackie – from day 1 you were an inspiration to me. You will continue to be for a long time coming. Sending much love and peace.
xo
Your many beautiful written words will live forever, Jackie. As will the examples of tenacity and courage which you and John have given us throughout your so much undeserved battle. We will always remember the goodness you have brought to those fortunate to have met you and to have read your works.
With our deep affection and prayers that your wishes and hopes here will be realized.
Graham & Joan xo
xo
Hello, Jackie. Gail and I both want to hold your hand for a moment in cyber-space and thank you for the many bright spots you provided in our lives. I believe that those last somehow into Eternity, along with the other flashes and glows of the things people are talking about above. Gail always said you were one of the smartest, cleverest, most beautiful people she ever met, and I always agreed. All our love.
xoxo
I’m very sorry about this news . I went to high school with John. I have watched your guys Facebooks throughout the years and watched you guys grow as a family. I am always thinking about your family to the end..
Ty
Jackie I am so sorry that these treatments haven’t worked. You have been a shining example of grace as you navigated this journey and your posts about your struggle have inspired many of us to try to lead a better, healthier life. I am praying for a transition of peace and joy and I will continue to pray for John, Sophie and Grant. God has blessed all of us who know you.
xo
Grateful to have met you. You have touched so many more people than you will ever know. Xo
xo
I’ve been blessed to have you in my life.
I will conserve the words of your legacy with the greatest amount of care and artistry. I can’t think of a more unique way we’ve share a friendship.
Thank you! Admiration! Grateful! Tranquility!
Love!!!
🙏❤️
Jackie,
I am so saddened to read I’m Done, but I know that, given what you have “done” in/with your life, that the hope and inspiration you have provided for all those whose life you have touched (and will touch through the work you have done and books) is soooooooo not done.
Susan Colby said, far more eloquently than I ever could, how much you and the light you bring to the world will be missed, but more to the point, remembered..
TY so much
Dear Jackie,
Peace and love to you and your family. I cherish and will cherish all the memories with you over the past 20+ years. Love you.
Love you Gifford Pollocks so much
Dear Jackie,
I think you know from the loving comments you have received, that you are truly an inspiration. For those lucky enough to have known you, your humor, energy and wisdom have left us in awe. We are better people for having known you. In this crazy country, you have been a truth teller for anyone who has the courage to listen. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
🙏
Oh Jackie, I think of you often! And will continue to do so. You have taught me so much – about consulting, serving others, living by example, and doing work that matters. I’m so sorry for the pain this stupid disease inflicted on you and your family. Thank you for being you. Peace.
TY
xo
Jackie~
The best my words can do right now is to assure you that we will all walk with you every moment. You have made this world a better place and your work and talent will remain long after all of us have moved into a new life. I will cherish our special times- your engagement; your wedding ceremony and incredible reception at Walnut Creek; holding both Sophie and Grant in my arms as infants and hearing Sophie yell out “PURPLE” when I asked her about her favorite color when she was a toddler and yes, enjoying those wonderful tacrathas that your Mom learned so well and stocked my freezer with! You can bet that your Dad is right with you this moment and will be right there to embrace you in welcome. But now please now we carry you in thought and prayer and will remain grateful for the difference you have made in this world and in the lives of so many.
Forever grateful and with love….
fr. Brian
Love you, Father Brian. So grateful for your company all along the way
Dearest Jackie,
My heart, my love and my
prayers for peace are with you until and beyond your transition. The world has been enriched by your life, work and gift for teaching and sharing. The world will be greatly diminished without you in it. God must need a wise and winsome angel and knows how to pick the most self-actualized and evolved souls. Rest assured, your spirit will live on and shine bright. You have inspired so many of us. Thank you for sharing your journey with us and your keen observations of life, healing and need for improvement. Your books need to be required reading for all 1st year medical and nursing students…for any person-facing profession.
I love you dear sister-from-another-mister. I cannot wait to see you again on the other side. My patents needs to meet you…make sure you have tea and dolma with them. Love, light and no more pain, dear friend.❤️
xoxo tea and dolma with your parents, yes…that sounds delightful
Oh my heart is breaking. Your strength and words are such an inspiration.
xo
I’m too upset to formulae any words to describe my emotions. I love you too pieces and have always bragged to everyone how intelligent and beautiful my namesake. This is not fair.
I have always loved you so much too, Uncle Jack. I’ve lived a wonderful life…just wish there were more time. So glad I got to meet Aria.
Jackie
This devastating news just makes me cry, a lot. The loving comments, all of which I agree with, make me even more grateful that I got to spend time with you.
I am sure that your soul will live on in all of us whom you’ve touched, your words will provide advice and guidance for many years to come, your fierce and fighting spirit will inspire and bring a smile.
I will keep your love of dissecting characters in a book by my side. I will keep your dedication to wellness through food and supplements as my resource, I will keep your passion for finding answers as my energy. You are and will always be loved.
XO Jennifer
Xoxo
Jackie, I have no words. Other than to tell you that you have always been one of my heroes…long before your brave battle with cancer. You’ve had such a huge impact on my life in all the best ways and I love you. I love the idea of your dad waiting for you on the other side.
Love you too, Jen. And I look forward to a nice dinner with my dad…so much. Xo
Jackie,
Sending you peace and so much love. You have been a gift to so many with your transparency.I pray we find a cure for this awful disease.
TY
Jackie, I have no words asides saying you are a true warrior❤️
Xo
Jackie,
though we never got to have that tequila together. , I feel as if I know you through your writing.and appreciate every word. Wishing you peace.
With love, jo
xo
Jackie, I send you warmth, admiration, peace, serenity, and contentment. You have provided the world with an energy that makes the world better, including my world in Shaker Heights and at organizations you’ve helped lead.
You have loved and cared sooo much. You have such marvelous realities in your past, such potentiality you have actualized, such meaning you have fulfilled, values you have realized, and nothing and nobody can ever remove these assets from your time here on Earth. (That sentence very liberally paraphrased & borrowed from Viktor Frankl…). I have always loved that idea from Frankl – no one can ever remove from Earth what you have done. It is forever; you are forever.
Much–and forever–respect and friendship– Becca
You are the bravest most truth-seeking friend and a forever inspiration. May your continued faith sustain you and your family. Sending you all the love in the world. I love you Jackie, and will always treasure our walks and talks.
Jackie, John, Sophie, Grant-feeling such love and heartache.. Jackie you are beyond powerful. Thank you for sharing where you are. I still want to come rub your feet❤️❤️❤️
Love u
I am sorry Jackie. I love you.
Love you too
Jackie
You are an amazing inspiration. Ever since our paths crossed in Cleveland, I have always been impressed by your inspirational people skills, your ability to think as clearly as you do, and the impact you have had on so many. Your family is beautiful. They’ve been moulded by your love. I dearly hope you find the peace and calm you seek. I will treasure our interactions forever.
Ty so much
The feelings are mutual
Peace, and prayers. Your voyage, and the clarity with which you’ve communicated it, will long outlive you: you’ve given hope and peace and love to many through this work and your journey. May all who have to tread this road – and most of us will – take it with the grace and courage and self-awareness you’ve demonstrated. Bless you and the family.
Xo
Dear Jackie,
You’ve built a beautiful life, planted good seeds in this world and leave an inspiring legacy.
Now, even during such a special moment, you took the time to share your wisdom. Thank you.
Your light shines bright and it always will. ✨
Wishing you love, peace and blessings. ❤️
Xo
Dear Jackie,
I cherish the moments teaching your kids piano and getting to know you in between their lessons.
I have no doubt you will see your father.
You will always be remembered.
Thank you for being you.
Love to you and your family.
Jennifer
Ty
Xoxo
Jackie,
I pray for a peaceful and pain-free transition as you move to the next place on your journey (where I am sure you will get a big hug from your father).
Xo
Jackie,
A star has dimmed in my world after reading your goodbye letter. You are such an inspiration to me. I really enjoyed being so proud of you in high school and in college. Watching your family grow through Facebook was a pleasure. It is time to rest and let God bring you home. I look forward to seeing you on the other side.
Xo
Jackie, I hold you with respect. It was a pleasure to partner with your family when I taught Sophie, and it was fun to reconnect on the sidelines watching Grant. Your life, love, and spirit will continue to be a model.
Ty so much 🙏
Jackie,
I am beyond sad to read this. I weep with you and John, Sophie, and Grant. Your life has had such wide impact. You have challenged others providing perspective to make change in the world. May you and yours know the strength and peace only God can give. Sending my love to you. Always praying for you.
Love,
Lisa
🙏ty dear friend
Much love
You will be with us always, Jackie. And, yes, you indeed are a Saint. You’ll see. Just from the other side. Wishing you the best forever. tp
🙏
Jackie,
How amazing that we could meet in Ann Arbor in 1987, and that you could be such a big part of my life even though we live so far apart. From the questionable vegetarian food and even more questionable hygiene standards at Osterweil coop, to being at each other’s weddings, to seeing you in Ann Arbor for my 40th and NYC for my 50th, you have always been part of the major moments in my life. Every career choice, parenting quandary, political musing or joyful travel experience has benefitted from your extraordinary insight, intelligence, humor, and of course, empathy.
You’ve been a North Star of academic brilliance, radiant beauty, professional accomplishment, dedicated wife – and mother-hood, and peerless friendship for so many decades now. Your example will always shine so brightly.
You have accomplished more in life than anyone could ever imagine possible.
You inspire us all to be worthy of your example.
Sending all my love now and forever to Sophie, Grant and John.
You will always be in my heart.
Ty
Xoxoxoxo
Cookie-I owe so much to you such from being a great friend from the early days at MIT to introducing me to Dorothy. I’ve also watched my mom make a similar cancer journey, and say those same very hard words I’m done/no more to her family as well. Nobody will forget you and the impacts of your story.
Chud
😘😘😘
Jackie – Evelyn and I just saw this post. We are heartbroken. We had truly hoped your care in Turkey over the summer would have helped your health turn a corner.
Graduate school seems like so many lifetimes ago but thinking about it still brings back great memories of cooking together and late nights in the lab. Life has taken us in all sorts of different directions since then. You and John have raised two amazing kids – who are no longer kids but will keep you in their hearts forever. Evelyn and I raised Sam who just this past spring graduated from CU and is now working in Boulder as a software engineer in the aerospace industry.
Physical distance and the merry-go-round of career and family kept us from seeing you very often these past years but know that you have been on our minds. I am not a prolific writer of personal letters or emails (clearly a character fault I must own up to) but you touched so many lives in profound ways – my own included. We have one final bottle of port from the collection of wines you gave Evelyn and I for our wedding. We were supposed to wait to enjoy it next August on our anniversary. We will drink it now however and think about all the ways you changed our lives.
Know that you are loved and we will continue to think of you and smile for the great times we had together.
Xoxo