Jackie was a lifelong resident of Reading, MA. She passed away peacefully at her home on December 31, 2020, surrounded by love. She was 85 1/2 years of age.
Jackie was a loving and devoted mother and is survived by her daughters Kim Wies of Reading, MA, and Karen Surette (and AJ Hartford) of New Hampshire. Jackie was a very proud and loving grandmother of Robert Pacy III and wife Paula of Exeter NH, Carl Pacy and wife Koy of Nashua NH, and KeriAnn Surette of Buffalo NY.
Jackie was the beloved daughter of the late John E. and Catherine V. (Margeson) Selfridge. She was the beloved sister of the late Florence (and Edward) McIntire of Reading, the late Edward “Mark” (and Dorothy) Selfridge of Reading, the late John “Everett” (and Evelyn) Selfridge of Reading, the late Ruth (and Richard) Shaw of Reading, the late Claire (and Francis) Young of Buxton ME, the late Robert (and Joyce) Selfridge of North Reading, Elizabeth “Betty” (and Wayne) Deason of Centreville AL, James (and the late Gail) Selfridge of Reading and the late Gerald Selfridge of Reading. She was the eighth of ten children in a very loving and close family. Jackie was a dear Aunt to forty nieces and nephews, and to many great-nieces and nephews and even great great-nieces and nephews. She was well-loved within her very large family and a cherished friend to many lovely and devoted friends.
Reading was her hometown and she loved it. She was a graduate of Reading High School Class of 1954. After graduation, she attended secretarial school in Boston. She worked as a secretary in New York City for one year and then returned to Reading. She worked at the Reading Town Hall, AVCO in Wilmington MA, Atlantic Supermarkets in Reading, and North Reading in Accounts and in her final years of employment babysat many wonderful youngsters.
She was extremely active as a member of the Class Reunion Committee. Jackie will be remembered always as a great woman full of grace, love, joy, strength, and integrity. Her infectious laughter, wonderful smile, and beautiful spirit will always be remembered. She was always at the ready to help anyone, even a stranger. As she put it, a stranger is a friend you’ve just met.
Jackie loved spending time with her family and many friends. She was a Girl Scout and Camp Fire Leader to her two daughters and their friends. She loved to crochet, do arts and crafts, go for “long“ rides, play cards and games, read, talk with many friends and loved ones, go to shows, and listen to music. She enjoyed raising and training German Shepherds for several years. She had a great love for all animals. She loved taking the “pups” for rides and spending time in Rockport. She will be greatly missed by her Grand-pups Kali, Mika, Diamond, Rosie, Roxy and Willow as well as her Grand-kitty Bebe.
Due to the pandemic, there will be a private service for immediate family only and then at a later date, a Memorial Service celebrating her life. Donations can be made in Jackie’s memory to an Animal Rescue of your choice.
