Jacqueline Smith (25 Jan 1947 - 9 Dec 2014)

In loving memory of my sister Jacqueline Smith (Jackie) who sadly passed away on 9th December 2014, following prolonged illnesses exacerbated by diabetes.

UPDATE: - below is the text I wrote for Jackie's eulogy service yesterday.

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Jackie ‘s Eulogy for Service 23rd Dec 2014

Firstly, I would like to thank you all for attending Jackie’s funeral today. I realise that many of you have had long journeys to get here. Being so close to Christmas, too, with all the other pressing matters that the festive season brings, your attendance is really appreciated. I’d also like to thank you for all the kind comments, memories, and condolences shared so far by many of you via the on-line obituary page. These have brought a smile, and fond memories, to me and, I trust, to you too.

Sadly, of course, it is less than a year ago that many of us sat here for the funeral of Jackie's late husband, Stewart. It is certainly true that following Stewart’s funeral, Jackie's overall health deteriorated. Indeed, Jackie spent more time in hospital than at home during these last few months of her Life.

Jackie was born in 1947, on Rabbie Burns’ day, 25th January. Apparently, her birth had complications and she very nearly didn't survive for long after it. 1947 had extremely heavy snowfall all over the United Kingdom (followed by extensive floods, which saw dad – once again – being called upon to drive a DUKW, as he drove during the war, this time to rescue people from flooded houses in Nottingham). The snowed, icy roads meant that transport by ambulance to Peel Streets Women’s hospital was very dangerous and not without incident. Fortunately, all was well with Jackie and mum after the hospitals interventions.

Both Jackie and I were children of the 50’s and teenagers in the 60's – the so-called “baby boomers” beloved of the media. Rationing of some items, following the Second World War, still applied in the early 50’s. Life was hard. It has been said that we had won the war but lost the peace. Mum and Dad, Alf and Bet, rarely spoke about these times. However, I’ll mention one shared memory with you now. Dad kept chickens in the back garden, not as a hobby or “gentleman farmer”, but as a way of introducing some variety into our diet. Hard to believe now but chicken meat – and eggs – were luxury items in those days!

One day, when Jackie was about 7 or 8, she went out to feed the chickens some table scraps mum gave her but the cockerel took exception to this intrusion and pecked her, hard, on her nose. Jackie rushed in the house exclaiming “He thought it was a bit of meat!!!"

Jackie started her working life as a textile machinist at Everlastic (mum had worked for Burberrys before the Second World War) but spent much of her following working life, nearly 30 years, with Nottingham City Transport in the canteens. Ill health led to an early retirement in her mid-50’s but not before Jackie had met very many people, from all walks of life, as colleagues - who later became close friends, some of whom will be here today.

Present here, of course, are friends and family, neighbours and acquaintances. Whilst we may not know who the person across the way is, we do all have one thing in common: Jackie. She is the reason we are all here today. Jackie left her mark on everyone she came into contact with during her life time and we are here to celebrate her Life. She would be delighted, and humbled, with the turn out I am sure!

Jackie had a technophobes dislike, distrust and disinterest in the technological wonders that occurred throughout our shared lifetime. The operation of televisions, computers and the plethora of associated technologies were mysterious to her and akin to the black arts. Jokingly, I always said that Jackie was an excellent steam engineer. Strangely, Jacqueline never disagreed with my assessment – except that her knowledge of steam was likewise limited – except for that issuing from a steaming kettle when a cuppa was needed!

Despite all this, and much to her own surprise, Jackie learnt to drive - an internal combustion engine too, not the external combustion type of a showman’s engine!! Now you know why the Thursford Christmas Spectacular was so important to her!

Very much a seasoned, experienced and committed traveller, Jackie visited many countries and continents, including Australia, and loved every moment of her travels. Tragically, her journeys were much reduced when she had her leg amputated due to diabetes complications.

As Jackie’s mobility decreased she found delight in her small garden: populated by meerkats, windmills, spring-loaded metal "animals" (or "tat" as I called them!!), these objects did help her stamp her own individuality on her "patch". Flowers, with their colour, aroma and texture, were ultimately what Jackie loved. Nature and her sense of place within it.

As part of our tribute to Jackie, there are packets of seeds available for you to plant. We hope this will bring you some pleasure in the future and be a memory of Jackie’s own passion for nature.
In a similar vein, we are sponsoring 4 trees to be planted in the National Forest. Whilst the trees can’t be named specifically for Jackie, that is, with a permanent plaque attached to them, we believe that the collective planting of these trees will beautify the environment and reduce the negative impact of carbon emissions. Those that live close enough can visit the forest and enjoy the serenity within it and simply reflect on Jackie’s presence.

I am sure all of you will have profound memories of Jackie: be they light-hearted, tragic, frustrating, sad, happy, amusing, ordinary, extraordinary ones. I hope you continue to hold her in your thoughts, as indeed I will.

We will all remember Jackie for her really generous, compassionate and loving nature. Following her late husband, Stewart's illness and his demise, Jackie and I spoke most days - nothing news worthy and certainly not important in the whole scheme of things. Even now, if the phone rings in the evening, I half expect to hear Jackie on the other end of the line. I miss her, as does everyone else who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Jackie is now on her next great journey and adventure: one which, ultimately, we all will travel. I am sure we all wish Jackie God speed, and we'll see her in our dreams.

Could you please take a moments silence and think of what Jackie meant to you?.....

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THANK YOU ALL FOR ATTENDING: Sue, Elizabeth and I are very grateful to you. For those who couldn't attend, we trust that these pages have helped you overcome your grief.

Sue has uploaded some photos of the flowers, etc, and these should be available to view on this site tomorrow.

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RIP Jackie - all our love

Genya and Sue Savin