Born in Portland on October 13, 1924 the daughter of George S. and Maxine E. (Coffin) Wescott, Jacqueline attended local schools graduating from Deering High School in 1942.
While in grammar school, she met her future husband Roy W. Gillespie, Jr. They were married on October 1, 1944 and together they settled down to begin their family. She and Roy spent time living in South Portland and Westbrook while their family was young though they eventually re-settled in Portland. The couple enjoyed going to the Saturday night dances at the Lakeland Dance Hall in Windham and spending time at the beach. ‘Jackie’ was a devoted wife and mother and enjoyed many a family gathering.
Once her children were grown, she entered the workforce as a quality control inspector for the Sebago Moc Co. in Westbrook where her ‘attention to detail’ was a great asset. It was during this time that she also became more deeply involved with arts and crafts. She was always ready to try her hand at something new and thoroughly enjoyed sharing her creations. At Christmas each family member could count on a new ornament for the tree or decoration for the mantle.
Following her retirement from the shoe company Jackie enjoyed a bit of travel. Though Roy’s health didn’t permit him to join her, she made sure she had taken enough pictures so anyone who looked at the albums would feel as though they were right there by her side.
Jackie had, for a number of years, been a season ticket holder for the Portland Sea Dogs and attended games regularly. She was also an active member of the Salvation Army’s Senior Center enjoying the activities and companionship that offered.
She was predeceased by her parents, George and Maxine Wescott, her husband of fifty years Roy W. Gillespie, Jr., her daughter Lynn D. Thomsen and her brother Bruce E. Wescott.
Jackie will be sadly missed by her uncle Pete Wescott of Portland, ME her son Ted Gillespie of Scarborough, ME; and her grandchildren, Keith R. Hamilton, Jr. and family of Severna Park, MD, Kirsten Hamilton-London and family of Peabody/Danvers, MA and Kim A. Wood and family of Gorham, ME as well as her many nieces and nephews.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a time of visitation on Tuesday September 23, 2014 from 10 to 12 PM in the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland, Maine. Funeral services will be at 12:00PM following visitation. Interment will be at Meeting House Hill Cemetery in Hollis. On-Line condolences can be given to the family at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.
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