While embraced by the love of family and friends, Jackie died at home on July 22 with the same gentle composure and grace she exhibited throughout her prolonged coping with cancer. She was 65.
Of short physical stature, Jackie had a tall personality and significant effect on the lives of many. She was wife to William Falman Jr. of Norwich for the last 43 years, and mother to Bryan Falman of Virginia and Chris Falman of Boston. Her parents, Richard and Lucille Fontaine of Taftville are both deceased.
Having earned her BS and MS degrees in education at ECSU, Jackie was a devoted and passionate teacher in the Norwich Public School system for 35 years. She taught in the primary grades, worked with the gifted program and served as an assistant principal. She continued to volunteer in classrooms after retirement.
A quietly outgoing and fun-loving personality, music was a significant aspect of her life. Jackie played guitar, the french horn, and piano. She was an active member of the Griswold Players Community Chorus and always had a song in her heart. She loved plays and musicals and constantly looked on the bright side of things. An unwavering optimism and love of life were her trademarks, “Live in the moment,” her mantra. Jackie owned a warm and genuine smile that she readily shared.
A Board of Directors member of Reliance Health, Inc, Jackie did philanthropic good for the community in her inherent, low profile way.
She loved to cook and break bread with friends and family, share conversation and laughter, play cards and board games. Jackie and Bill were part of a long-standing gourmet group established with three other couples who compiled their own book of recipes.
Besides her husband and sons, she leaves behind brothers Dan and Dick Fontaine, sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, several nieces and nephews and a bevy of dear friends, all of whom will find it challenging to fill the hole her leaving has created.
A private party to celebrate her life will be held for invited friends and family. Donations in Jackieʼs memory can be made to:
CT Women of Hope (ctwomenofhope.org), Reliance Health (reliancehealthinc.org), or Descendants of Lucille and Richard Fontaine Fund (Contact: [email protected] or Call 860.974.3615).
To leave a condolence, please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com
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