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The first time I met Jackie was at Mark and Joanie’s home. She greeted me with that sweet smile of hers and started to tell me about her running. She loved getting ready for the races and the freedom that she felt as she traveled to far of places to compete. Her adventure with a bunny in New Zealand was a favorite.
She quickly moved on to the subject of the McLaughlins. Sharing the admiration she felt for her sister’s family. She appreciated the uncomplicated welcome and love that they offered.
On a visit to Anna Maria island Jackie drove out to see us. This time talking about her deep love for Olivia her beloved niece. She was so proud of her.
Rest well Jackie you were loved by your family.
Thank you to Mary and Michael Mclaughlin and their families for their never-ending kindness. It is a privilege to be a member of the Mclaughlin family.
Jennifer Dietz.
As the spouse of Jackie’s twin sister Jennifer, I have known Jackie for 23 years.
I was there to see her graduate from Dental school, to see her complete her certificate to specialize in Endodontics, and to embark on a thriving career as the Endodontist with the magical healing touch.
At some point in time, Jackie decided I was “all right”, or maybe even “O.K.” for the way I loved and was dedicated to her twin sister. She accepted me as a friend. There I was, married to one Dietz twin. Accepted as a friend by the other. I knew how lucky I was, and I viewed her friendship as a great honor.
I saw her pick up cycling via a hybrid bicycle on Saturdays, and next thing we know she was completing Triathlons and IRONMAN Triathlons (Three time finisher, two 140.6 and on 70.3), including going off on an amazing adventure to New Zealand, forging ahead all by herself as she tended to do, and finishing that IRONMAN in epic Jackie fashion.
Now, the time has come to say goodbye to my friend. Rest peacefully, Jackie. You were simply amazing. And you were so very much loved by so very many people.
I knew Jackie only for a short period of time but it didn’t take long to understand the love and compassion that dwelled inside her.
She met my brother while being a regular customer at the store at which he worked. Casual pleasantries led to friendship and when my brother became sick and needed help, he felt comfortable enough to reach out to Jackie. Jackie made time for him without hesitation and when his condition became worse, she stayed with him and cared for him until I was able to arrive in town.
The first time I met Jackie was when she came to visit my brother. Her brother-in-law John and I were keeping my brother Tom company. We weren’t really saying much when Jackie came into the room. We missed our opportunity because when she got into the room, we really didn’t get a chance to talk the rest of the night! Jackie started talking about places she wanted to take Tom and things she wanted to do. She commented on how nice his room was set up and what a great choice he made on buying his new TV. She brought positivity, hope, and laughter to a time that was needed and greatly appreciated. To see how much she cared for my brother, I was honored to become her friend too.
I will miss you Jackie and I’m sorry I didn’t get the chance to see you more.
Philip:
Thank you for your lovely post about my twin sister. She was an amazing woman, friend, aunt, endodontist, sister-in-law, and twin.
Thank you Philip. May she be resting peacefully with your brother, Tom.
Jennifer Dietz
I have many warm memories of times spent with Jackie, but one that is my favorite. That one was, in fact, the first time I met Jackie. Joan and I had been dating long enough to realize it was serious, and it was time to meet the other older sister. Jackie was the perfect hostess and Joan relayed later that I answered all the “what are your intentions” questions appropriately. Jackie told us about her exciting current adventures and imminent travel plans. She was such a great story-teller-charismatic and funny. It was truly a wonderful afternoon in her home. The only snag in the whole visit was my inability to follow one simple instruction, “Don’t pet the cat too much, she drools.” Anyone that knows me, knows I have a child-like affinity for animals. Saki, Jackie’s elderly cat, was no exception. Recognizing me for the sucker I was, the cat promptly planted herself on my lap and I immediately and repeatedly failed to follow that one simple instruction. And as warned, that sweet, diminutive cat became a seemingly unquenchable artesian spring of drool. Jackie remained her gracious self, even as the puddle at my feet grew. I’m sure the door had barely closed behind Joan and me before Jackie was mopping the previously spotless white tile floor, but she remained the consummate hostess for our entire visit. The first, and favorite of many memories. Thank you, Jackie. You will remain in our hearts.
Mike:
Thank you for writing that sweet story about Jackie’s toothless cat who drooled endlessly.
Jackie told her stories with such greatness that you actually felt you had been there with her in Peru, Greece, Italy, France, Germany, Luxembourg, New Zealand, etc. the list is endless. Her favorite place to go was New York City, though. She and I traveled there two years before she passed. It was more than wonderful.
Mike, I love you more than as a brother-in-law because I can’t imagine our lives without you.
Jen
I remember the very first time I met Jackie. It was at Olivia’s skating party. She slipped in quietly and sat down near me and before I knew it we’d spent the whole party chatting and getting to know each other. She was so welcoming and friendly.
Over the years, though we didn’t see each other that much, she would send random little gifts my way which I really appreciated.
Jackie accomplished so much in her lifetime. I was in awe of her. I will always remember her strength and her kindness, her friendliness and her love of animals. She will be missed greatly.
May the Good Lord bless and keep her until we meet again.
Lesley
Thank you for sharing a story about Jackie. She truly loved you.
Jen
I was extremely lucky to work with Jackie when she lived in Jacksonville. I met her through her sister Joan. Jackie and I had an amazing chemistry while working together. She taught me everything I knew about working in the dental field and so much more about myself. My life wouldn’t be the same if I hadn’t taken the leap and began working beside her. We picked each other up during the time we worked side by side. She inspired me to go to Nursing school and make more for myself and my family. Even though we somewhat lost touch after she moved, she always took the time to send me uplifting messages. She was truly an amazing person and such a kind and nurturing soul.
I’ll love her forever, and will miss her.
Jennifer
Jac spoke of you all the time. She loved you as a professional and as her dear friend. Up until the end she was in awe of you.
Jen
I was given the most wonderful gift of knowing Jackie, albeit relatively briefly, some 9 and 1/2 years ago. Her friendship, companionship and love were so influential in saving my life at that time. She always had a Dove chocolate candy for me. So sad!
So JACKIE, Philip. She spoke of your friendship. I’m happy to hear from you.
Jen
813-789-8029
Donna Reid
I met Jackie through the McLaughlins. I remember her as a quiet presence often present as a back-up for her twin sister Jennifer. The closeness between the twins was palpable and I admired it. My thoughts and prayers are with Jennifer and family. I too lost a sibling at a young age and know how difficult it is to cope. Jackie was a light that shone bright. May she Rest In Peace.
Thank you Donna for writing about my twin sister. She was the light of my life.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
Jennifer
We hold Jackie in our prayers and extend condolences to her family. May she have eternal rest among the angels.
Thank you Denis and Stella for your beautiful note. I truly appreciate your kindness.
Jackie was loved and idolized by her younger sister. I felt her significance while in her presence. I was merely an observer of how she changed the lives of my friends through her skilled dental transformations and through inspiring educational pursuits. She should have had many more years. She’s joined those who have passed. I hope her memory will inspire others to help and heal.
Thank you Renee for your post about Jackie. I appreciate learning about her through your eyes.
I’m sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
Thank you Jamie and Leeann. I appreciate you writing.
I have known Jackie since early elementary school. We were neighbors and spent hours playing at each other’s homes. I remember their home- after they moved- had a room that was like an ice cream parlor. It was so fun to sit in the booth and just hang out together!
Later, she was an NICU for my son after he was born and had open heart surgery. She was always kind and caring!
Love and miss her lots!
I have known Jackie since early elementary school. We were neighbors and spent hours playing at each other’s homes. I remember their home- after they moved- had a room that was like an ice cream parlor. It was so fun to sit in the booth and just hang out together!
Later, she was an NICU for my son after he was born and had open heart surgery. She was always kind and caring!
Love and miss her lots!
The both of you were so kind to this socially awkward geek of a girl when we were in high school. Jackie was very kind and giving. I am sorry for your loss.
Sissy
Thank you for writing. We really treasured our friendship with you. She and I spoke of you often.
I truly appreciate your kindness in writing.
Jenni Dietz
Beautiful Jackie! I am so saddened to hear of the loss of jackie, Jenny! I have such sweet fond memories of the two of you beautiful, sweet, smart, and talented sisters. Mostly sweet…and from what I can gather Jackie grew in her light and beauty in this world and she shone for many years. What a beautiful soul ❤ and I know part of you went with her as she waits for you. She will always be with and a part of you. I’m so sorry for your loss. I will no doubt fill my car with a bag of cat food. Much lo❤e.
Hello Peggy.
So great to hear from you!!! I want to thank you for writing such kind words about me and Jac. She was/is an angel. And you’re right, part of me went with her and she is waiting for me. Our love was deep and powerful.
Jenni Dietz
I meet Jackie through my girlfriend Maureen and the cycling group they belonged to. She and Maureen trained hard and feed off each other. They went to several races together and were a regular fixture at San Antonio for Saturday and Sunday rides.
Over the short period I knew Jackie I saw her many different faces. She could be tough, determined, silly, caring, attentive and loving. When she was cycling she didn’t take kindly to inconsiderate drivers and if given the opportunity she would let them know of their error.
But the Jackie that was there to help me take care of Maureen while Maureen was fighting cancer was a whole different person. She was extremely gently and caring of Maureen. She was her advocate when I was not around and I knew Maureen was in good hands if Jackie was around. Jackie would stop what she was doing and would be willing to come to Maureen’s side at a moments notice. Jackie loved Maureen and Maureen loved her.
Not only was she a blessing to Maureen but to me as well.
The other commonality that Jackie and I shared was the love of cats. We both seemed to recognize that our first concern was Maureen but after that, it was not each other, but each other’s cats. It was a fun to share cats stories and pictures with her and know that there was another cat advocate out there.
She will be missed when I think of Maureen, when I see cats, & when it’s a long hot day out on the bike.
God speed Jackie.
It is with uncharted and striking sorrow that I attempt to grapple with the loss of Jackie.
Raw bewilderment settles in as there were always more days, hours and minutes…until, abruptly, there was not. In the midst of loss, a lifetime appears in flashes – warm, poignant moments, humorous times (because Jackie loved good, deep belly laughs). She demanded and appreciated quick wit- so I often prepared for it because it always felt amazing to make her laugh. And we laughed- with snorts and cackling- three sisters with inside jokes and sometimes outrageously irreverent humor – on some days it all just clicked. There are also the moments of grief and struggle…the intimate life in a family that only that family can ever fully understand.
To try to relay the infinite influence and childlike idealization of an older sibling…especially someone like Jackie, is daunting. An immense task that seems could never do her justice. The unique way she viewed, contemplated, and ultimately interpreted the ” mysteries of the world.” My older mystical twin sisters- they came as a package…and floated in my young mind- and it will always deeply resonate. Even after adulthood, your mind wanders to the strongest pull- days of when older siblings tell you Santa is on the roof, listening quietly in the other room to the music that moved them in their teenage years, exhilarating trips to visit them in college, of course, Disney World- when Jackie explained to me why the Teacup Ride is too intense for your insides and that the Tiki Birds gave her a headache- but yet they still accompanied me. And then there is the protection…so much protection a younger sibling has the privilege of receiving. Jackie was a thoughtful protector. The reality of adult relationships in all their complex authenticity are softened by what matters. Childhood comforts and loving, best intentions always prevail.
What appeared to be, sometimes, Jackie’s clinical strategy when encountering any soul (especially animals) that needed help- I realized was more of a feverish compassion – that derived from deep within. She veiled it often to not appear vulnerable and maintain that pragmatic, problem -solver person that she was proud to be. But it came from an incredibly loving place…her intellect sometimes got in the way, but it was always her heart that governed. Her overwhelming drive and passion to make things right…swiftly and without hesitation, all the wrong things, all of the heartbreaking things in this world could be resolved if only she could implement her plan. She felt deeply…with the merging of an empath’s heart and a clinician’s mind. Jackie was always in movement-She would become so tired sometimes absorbing all that life has to offer. But most importantly, she also absorbed an abundance of beauty and wonder in her carefully planned endeavors and travels. She was this cerebral woman that really yearned to understand people-analyzed scenarios…really tried to connect. There are images of such unexplainable grace seared in my mind of my sister. Images that only make sense to me. I am eternally grateful for them. I am especially grateful to anyone that is reading this and showed Jackie love and kindness. She really did cherish it and you.
In the end, there is only love.
Joan,
Your comments about Jackie are truly moving. You probably don’t remember me – I was fast friends with your sisters from the time they moved to Coral Gables- until the time time I had to move away just before high school. You were little then- Joanie- to me. I did’t’ have the chance to get to know you very well, but I do know for certain that Jackie has always loved both her sisters very, very much!! Your words reminded me of a Jackie story I did not share the other day during the memorial. The last time I saw Jackie was probably five years ago in Denver. She spent the evening with my family- my mom- who was also named Jackie- and was suffering from dementia. At the time my family was struggling with recognizing what was going on and Jackie, within moments of meeting her, came right out and asked me how long she had been diagnosed. She could see right into people’s suffering and always wanted to help. She spent that evening talking with my mom with so much care and compassion and dignity. I will never forget her love and kindness during our pain! May she rest in peace and may the memories of her kindness live on in all of us! I will be keeping Jackie and her family in my prayers.
Dear Robin,
Yes, I mostly certainly remember you. You were a part of that close, special circle of friends Jen and Jac had. I know you meant a lot to Jackie, especially since you were able to see each other as adults, too.
I want to thank you for your kind words and your story. As I read every word, you described so well, the time she spent with you and your family not long ago mean so much. I can imagine her doing all of the things you described. I’m glad you had that time together- that she brought you comfort when your family was suffering. Your words brought me comfort now.
Thank you for that.
Joan
Dear Joan:
I am usually not at a loss for words, however, your comments above are so beautifully stated….and stated with great love. I, too, am grateful for those who show Jackie kindness during her life.
Jackie was one who reveled in her secret acts of kindness to others, whether animals or humans. Once, she and I were at the Woolworths on Miracle Mile. When we drove in that chilly December day, we noticed that the man at the gate was quite old and did not have on a sweater. After buying whatever it was we needed, we went to the men’s section. While there we found a lovely blue cardigan. The sweater was more than we had on us, so we put back the “goodies” that we were going to purchase and put our money together so we could purchase the blue sweater. Upon departing from Woolworths, we paid the $1.00 for parking and then handed the old man at the gate the Woolworths’ bag which contained the sweater. We drove off without a word. Three to four days later we were driving past the parking lot of Woolworths and, wouldn’t you know, the old man was wearing the blue cardigan sweater! We talked about it for weeks. We learned that paying it forward actually works.
May my twin be in Eternal Peace. I love her more than any words can say. Gob Bless you always, Jackie…..my loving twin.
I got to know Jackie some a couple of years ago when we were sitting vigil for our mutual friend Tom who was very ill. I was drawn to the fact that she was very caring and concerned for our friend. When we sat next to Tom she maintained a deliberately quiet voice so as not to disturb him. I felt Tom was lucky to have her as a friend.
Dear Master Dan:
Thank you for writing about my twin sister Jackie. She really admired you and most especially your words at Toms’s memorial.
Thank you for writing and know that our thoughts are with you.
Jennifer Dietz