Jackie was born on June 21, 1926, to Bertram Emanuel Green and Anna (Kotzen) Green of Malden. She grew up in a loving household alongside her older sister, Natalie (Green) Weiner, and in an extended community of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She cherished these family connections and maintained and nurtured them throughout her life.
A graduate of Smith College, class of 1947, she distinguished herself as a member of Phi Beta Kapa and a Sophia Smith Scholar. She was fiercely proud of her Smith education and remained a strong advocate of women’s colleges throughout her life.
After college Jackie married Harold, her beloved spouse of 76 years, who predeceased her this past January. In the early years of their marriage, she dedicated herself to raising her three children while actively volunteering in various organizations including lifelong membership to Hadassah, President of the Temple Shalom Sisterhood, and President of the Alpha Omega Women’s Committee. She also generously opened her home for numerous civic and social functions, developing her talent for bringing many different kinds of people together with gracious hospitality.
In 1967, Jackie embarked on a new chapter, earning her Masters of Education at Boston University and subsequently serving as a school guidance counselor for 21 years in the Saugus Public Schools. She retired from this position at age 64, but continued to seek out new opportunities for creative and intellectual pursuits.
As a volunteer docent for Boston By Foot, she shared her passion for Boston’s history and architecture by leading walking tours of the Back Bay and Beacon Hill, captivating audiences from around the world. She received the prestigious 'Distinguished Service Award' for her outstanding leadership.
Jackie joined the Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement (HILR), in 1990, and served as president of HILR’s Council from 1993-97. She was an engaged lecturer, leading classes on subjects as varied as the legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted, Irish and Jewish Boston, and the Adams family of Boston. Her exploration of the latter led her to connect with renowned author David McCullough, whom she invited to speak to her class.
Together with Harold, she traveled the world, creating cherished memories and deepening their bond. Her vibrant and varied interests, ranging from contemporary glass sculpture to opera to ikebana flower arranging reflected her artistic nature and intellectual passions.
Jackie's life was distinguished by the talent she demonstrated in cultivating friendships, through her deep civic engagement, a strong love of family, and expansive curiosity about the world, all with a genuine spirit of gratitude. She was gifted with leadership skills that transformed the many organizations she was committed to throughout her life. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and the memories she created by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She leaves behind a devoted family, including her three children, Amy Jacobs (David Krauss), David Jacobs (Jamie Cutler), Lisa Weinberg (Mike Huggins), three grandchildren, Benjamin Krauss, Leah Krauss (Quince Marcum), and James Jacobs (Sophia Wesley), and James’ mother Jill Sadler. She also leaves behind a legacy for all who knew her of a life lived with kindness, grace, optimism, and gratitude.
A private graveside service will be held in her memory at Sharon Memorial Park. Shiva will be held at her late residence in the function room from 3:00pm – 6:30pm on Tuesday, June 18.
In lieu of flowers, kind expressions of sympathy may be sent to Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston, https://ma.cjp.org/ or Good Shepherd Community Care, www.gscommunitycare.org or the charity of your choice.
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