Jacquelyn Del Medico

On November 24, Jacquelyn Mae Del Medico ( Jackie) passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 95. She was, simply put, a truly beautiful person, both inside and out, and that was apparent to anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. The love of her life, our father, Vince, figured this out when he first laid eyes on her at a college party they were attending. A few years later, he wisely married her, and they began a 69-year journey together leaving behind a legacy of six children,16 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She was a strong but gentle woman with a witty sense of humor that had us laughing with her "zingers" until the very end of her life. Jackie was a classy woman who was gifted in so many ways. She was intelligent, athletic, dressed impeccably, cooked like a trained chef, hosted like no other and maintained a hectic but fun and loving home rooted in her strong Catholic faith. She was an absolute sports fanatic who thoroughly enjoyed watching and rooting for the Indians/Guardians, the Cavs, and on a completely different level, her beloved OSU Buckeyes. (Her father was a three-sport letterman!!) Jackie was everything you could ask for in a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a mother-in-law, a grandma, a gigi or a friend.

Jackie's hometown was Springfield. She attended Springfield Central Catholic H.S. and after losing her mother during her freshman year at The Ohio State University, returned to Springfield where she attended Wittenberg University and was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Amazingly, she was able to earn her degree in English, graduating just three years later while helping her widowed father maintain a household and raise her younger siblings.

Through the years, and despite her 24/7 schedule at home, our mother set an example for us by volunteering at our schools and in the community. She recently received an award celebrating her 60th year with Christ Child Society of Akron where she was instrumental in creating the Children's Clothing Center, delivering layettes and clothing to families in need. She was also a member of St Sebastian's Parish for over 70 years and during that time assisted in countless events. In addition, Jackie was a proud member of the Archbishop Hoban High School Booster Club.

When Mom and Dad became "empty nesters" they were blessed enough to take full advantage. While maintaining their nearly lifelong, loving relationships with their Akron friends they developed many new friendships, such as their tennis buddies at Fairlawn Country Club (post-match meals and drinks) and their Florida Barefoot Beach "brothers and sisters" (sunset cocktails and potluck dinners). They were also able to travel to many wonderful destinations in the U.S. and abroad which they greatly deserved and thoroughly enjoyed.

After Vince passed away four years ago, Jackie began her last chapter with remarkable grace. Despite the tremendous void in her life, she maintained her positivity. She literally never complained about a thing. She approached every day with an appreciative "take nothing for granted" attitude that was infectious, pointing out a beautiful sky or sunset, commenting on a sunny day, the beauty of her flowers or the changing of the seasons. And even though her memory failed her from time to time she never forgot to say, " I love you" and she never forgot to say, "Thank you."

Speaking of "thank you' s", we are so grateful to Mom's caregivers. Jayne, Leslie, Natalie, and Dana. You were so good to her in countless ways, and you know how much she loved each one of you.

Part of Mom's daily routine most every evening would include one of us taking her out to dinner, which included a glass of red wine (or a marg. on Mexican night!). Jackie had her favorite local dining destinations, and she was treated with such respect and kindness by so many of you who know who you are. Thank you for that.

To our friends and relatives who never forgot to ask, "How is you mother?", and sent messages of love, thank you.

And finally, to Mom's physicians and medical providers during these past years (including the wonderful hospice nurses her last few days), thank you. You were compassionate, respectful, and kind to her.

Jackie was preceded in death by her devoted and loving husband, Vincent Del Medico, her parents, Frederick, and Florence Grim, her stepmother Kay Hackett Grim, her brothers Freddy and Toby Grim, sister Patti Singer, stepsisters Jane Roth and Katherine Stahl and her daughter-in-law Mary Ann DelMedico.

She is survived by her loving children, Vince (Denise) Del Medico, Michael Del Medico (partner, Chris Fiocca), Tim (Jenny) Del Medico, Anne Gorey (partner Tom Scott), Jackie (Mike) Paparella and Patrick (Jayne) Del Medico,

her grandchildren, Dana Hardy, Jamie Del Medico, Alex Del Medico, Caitlin Zaluski, Michael Del Medico, Jr., Lauren Treichel, Katie Robinson, Nick Del Medico, Peter Del Medico, Colin Gorey, Tim Gorey, Christina Gorey, Maria Paparella, Parker Del Medico, Maddy Del Medico, Zack Del Medico and 19 great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her brother Doug (Patty) Grim, stepbrother Peter (Sandy) Hackett, stepsister Patsy Taylor, half-sisters Carrie Merritt and Mollie (Bill) Beatty and brother-in-law Dick Stahl.

Family and friends will be received to celebrate Jackie's life on Sunday December 21 from 1pm-5pm at Hummel Funeral Home, 2800 W. Market St., Akron. A memorial mass will be held Monday December 22 at 11am at St. Sebatian Church, 476 Mull Ave., Akron.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jackie's name to The St. Sebastian Parish Foundation 476 Mull Ave., Akron OH 44313; The Del Medico Family Scholarship, Archbishop Hoban High School, One Holy Cross Blvd. Akron OH 44303; or Chair-ity Inc. Attn: Maria Paparella 1340 E. 38th St. Cleveland 44114.

The mass will be live-streamed at www.HummelCares.com