Jacqueline Marjorie deGrasse deGoumois Bloch died peacefully on July 26, 2010. Jackie was born in Queens, New York on September 5, 1929. She met David Bloch when they were both attending graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where Jackie earned her M.S. in Food and Nutrition. Her research encouraged the use of whey as a valuable food additive, as opposed to being treated simply as a waste product in the production of cheese – an early sign of her commitment to recycling and conservation.
Jackie and David started their married life in Queens, sharing a house with her parents, Marc deGoumois and Beatrice deGrasse. Jackie’s career began as an editor for Scholastic and Parent’s magazines. David’s career as a University Professor took them to Los Angeles, California and then to Austin, Texas, where they both spent the rest of their lives and raised their three children. Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, David, and by her oldest child, Peter Patrick Bloch. She is survived by her sister, Denise deGoumois of New York; and her daughters, Deirdre Barlaz and husband Morton Barlaz of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Heidi Bloch and partner, Zoe King of Austin. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Travis Bloch, Adam Auxier, David Eitan Barlaz, Naomi Barlaz, and Talia Barlaz.
Despite a nearly lifelong struggle with multiple sclerosis, Jackie combated her illness with energy, goodwill and enthusiasm. While raising her children, Jackie actively participated in many community and political organizations, including the West Austin Neighborhood Group, the West Austin Democrats, We Care Austin, and the League of Women Voters. Jackie often served as a member of the board or steering committees for the organizations with which she was involved. She also found time for PTAs, Cub and Girl Scouts, and music programs for elementary school children, bringing her guitar into her children’s classrooms to sing multicultural folk songs – what a beautiful voice she had! She was also a gourmet cook and cookbook editor.
When the children were grown, Jackie worked as an Administrative Aide for a member of the Austin City Council and as a Committee Clerk for the Texas House of Representatives. She also served as Secretary and Board Member of Capital Metro, a position she cherished, reflecting her commitment to public transportation.
Jackie was a lifelong learner, and though she never owned a personal computer, she quickly learned the joys of the internet. She frequently asked her daughters to “google” something and to please send her a print-out of the resulting research. Recent requests included an AA Milne poem and the text of Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech.
Several strokes left her more withdrawn later in life, but she continued to enjoy a good conversation about politics, and was never without The New Yorker on the nightstand, KUT on the radio, or C-Span on the television. Her warm spirit and good humor were always evident. Many heartfelt thanks to the staff at Beckett Meadows and Heavenly Caregivers, especially Kim (her “third daughter”) and Shirley.
Services will be held 4:00 pm, Friday, July 30, 2010 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress Avenue. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to KUT, NPR, or the MS Society. You are invited to share your memories about Jackie at www.wcfish.com.
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