Obituary of Jackie Connor

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Jacqueline “Jackie” (nee Luce) Connor died at the young age of 78 on September 23, 2025, at Riverview Gardens in Chatham, ON, Canada surrounded by loved ones, laughter, music, singing and a few tears.

Jackie was born October 27, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, USA and was the eldest daughter of the late Winifred (nee Berry) Reitmeyer.

She was the beloved wife of John Connor and they recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Jackie was the outgoing, fun and strong mother to Tammy West, Richard Luce (pre-deceased), Drake (McArthur) Connor, John Connor, Fay Walsh (Tyler), Paul Connor (Gillian) and Stacy Morceri (Jay).

She was the loving and sarcastic sister of Debbie (Danny) Kunewych, sister-in-law Shirley (Dennis) Schmidt, sister-in-law Toyce (Duncan) Smith, and brother-in-law Dean Jackson.

Jackie was pre-deceased by her father Howard Luce, brothers Richard (Jan) Luce and Ronald (Lita) Luce, parents-in-law Alice (nee Burnett) Jackson and Donald Jackson.

To her grandkids, she was the warm, whacky, and ever-present grandma to Rebie, Haley, Kayla, Jaz, Wini, Beca, Emilee, Landon, Candace and Dana.

Jackie leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Jackie was born and raised in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, where she was surrounded by women who were resilient, dignified, and esteemed, which is where her character came from. She raised her first two children in the Detroit, Michigan area for a number of years. Jackie met John at a New Year’s Eve party. After many big bridge crossings, one day she decided to move to Canada and marry the love of her life, John. The rest is history, raising children, furthering her education, and taking endless trips without a compass.

Jackie took great pride and adoration in being a mother, talking about her children to anyone and everyone. She was so proud of all their achievements and was there for all the good, the bad and the ugly. Jackie’s children were always keeping her on her toes by re-organizing their home while they were out on the town, to not being home by the time the street lights came on or making jokes at the wrong time. Boy her aim was good, but the boys learned to duck those coffee mugs!

As much as she loved her kids, she loved her grandkids even more. Jackie was a devoted grandma who could be found with a clown wig, a duck nose or a secret bag of snacks for the movies. Her grandchildren could do no wrong and she had their backs from day one until the end, holding tight to all their secrets.

One of Jackie’s greatest accomplishments was getting her GED later in life. She wanted to show her children and grandchildren they could do anything they set their minds too, no matter their age. Jackie took great pride in helping and caring for others, including the many foster children who came through their doors. Jackie thought all children should have a safe place to live, grow and learn.

A strong work ethic served Jackie well in her career through many different work opportunities. And along the way, she collected many good friends.

Jackie loved camping, bonfires, good old nature hikes, her cats, gardening, all sorts of music, and a good game of cards. Of course, she was always ready for a game of duck, duck, goose with the grandkids. When they were together, there were endless smiles and giggles. Jackie would always show up for a fun time camping with friends and family, even though camping was not always on her side between the tipping of canoes and getting eaten alive by bugs.

She treated her cats like her babies, attaching leashes to take them anywhere, walks around the trailer park, or just in the yard to watch while she did some gardening. Of course, John could be seen rolling his eyes and frowning close by.

Jackie enjoyed playing cards, dancing on the town, eating steak and eggs afer a late night (2am breky anyone?), dabbing away at her bingo cards. Spending time with family or friends was her favourite pastime and filled her with joy.

Jackie died as she lived life, surrounded by the love and laughter of family while rocking out to head banging tunes, one of which was a hit from Chuck Berry, My Ding-A-Ling, from her younger days.

The Family asks in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.

A Celebration of Jackie's life will take place at the McKinlay Reception Centre, 463 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Memories to be shared at 6:00 pm.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home

459 St. Clair Street, Chatham

519-351-2040