Jackie Hope Halac, at the age of 73, left us on July 2, 2024 after a rollercoaster battle with lung cancer. Born November 10, 1950 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to parents Josephine and Harry Entin she moved with her parents and twin brother Paul to Fullerton, California in 1960.
Jackie lost her parents early in her life with her mother Josephine passing away when she was 19 and her father Harry when she was 23 years old. The loss made a lasting impression on her and catalyzed her independence and strength. She built her life in Southern California. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from UCLA, getting married and divorced, having children Jason (1981) and Stephanie (1983), thriving as a single mother, working in retail sales and running small businesses, and finally retiring as a fiercely competitive Mahjong player and super Grandma.
More than anything, Jackie loved her children and grandchildren. With her beaming smile, she welcomed daughter-in-law Staci Halac and son-in-law Chris Means into her family. With a Jewish Mother’s urgency, she became the proudest Grandmother of grandson’s Dean and Connor Halac (Jason and Staci) and granddaughters Viana and Eva Means (Stephanie and Chris.) Grandma’s heart swelled as she swiped through the digital moments of their lives - the laughter, the hugs, the pure joy of being part of their world.
Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family, embracing everyone she encountered. Whether it was a warm smile, a comforting word, or a helping hand, Jackie was quick to open her heart. Asking questions and investing in others, she often left a party knowing more about the lives of the guests than the host. “Let me finish,” she would say to her son who grew impatient with the meandering details in her stories. But, to her the details made it special.
As Jackie’s health declined, she was comforted by the outpouring of support. Stories of generosity, companionship, and adventure along with visits to her home and phone calls lifted her spirit and brought her peace.
As we bid farewell, let us remember Jackie’s legacy with gratitude. Let us honor her memory by continuing to spread love, kindness, and compassion—the very qualities she embodied.
Like a carefully wrapped cookie she placed in her purse ready to be gifted, she is thinking of us. Please hold in your heart a piece of her love, ready to be shared.
May her soul rest as she travels the heavens.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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