Jacqueline J. Edsall

Although her life was filled with numerous experiences that enriched her journey, there was nothing that was more near and dear to the heart of Jacqueline Edsall than being surrounded by the ones she cherished most. A lifelong resident of the community she loved, she also generously gave of her time and talents to impact the lives of those around her in a significant way. The best mom anyone could ask for, Jacqueline treasured her role as a mother, but she just may have argued that nothing was better than being a grandmother and great-grandmother. Although life will never be the same without her here, she leaves behind a timeless legacy that will be carried on by those who follow in her footsteps. It was great to be an American during the 1920s. Cars were more affordable due to the widespread implementation of the assembly line while Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh took the world of flight to new heights. Often recalled as the Roaring Twenties, this was the decade when Broadway was at its all time peak, ballroom dancing was among the latest trends, and Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb made baseball Americas favorite pastime. Amidst this exciting time was a time of great anticipation for Ray and Marguerite (Thompson) Wantz as they were awaiting the birth of their first child as the promise of spring appeared on the horizon in Muskegon, Michigan, in 1927. The big day finally arrived on March 12, 1927, when the baby girl they named Jacqueline J. drew her first breath. She was the older of two children raised in the family home in North Muskegon alongside her younger brother, Melvin. Jacquelines father was self-employed, working as a garbage collector while her mother was a busy homemaker. During her formative years Jacqueline experienced an upbringing that was fairly typical for the youth of her generation. She loved riding horses and had her very own horse named Danny Boy. Jacqueline looked forward to family reunions with the Wantz family and spent a memorable summer at her grandmothers place in Woodville, Michigan, as a teen. Friends were an important part of Jacquelines life right from the start, and among her closest friends were Eva, Eloise, and Jonnie. She was active with the Girl Scouts and attended North Muskegon Elementary. While in high school Jacqueline was known as the dancing queen as she was voted best class dancer. She went on to graduate from North Muskegon High School. New and exciting days were in store for Jacqueline when she met the young man who stole her heart. His name was Robert Bob Edsall , and they met through her brother, Melvin. Sparks flew from the beginning, and it wasnt long before they found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, the sweethearts were married on June 17, 1949, in Muskegon. Bobs sister, Aimee, was like a sister to Jacqueline and therefore her maid of honor. Together Jacqueline and Bob welcomed two children including Denise in 1954 and Ted in 1958 into their hearts and home. Life in the family home on Becker Road in Muskegon was always a bustle of activity. Jacqueline was a nurturing, loving, and compassionate parent who was actively involved in the lives of her children. She was selfless when it came to her family, and she had a way of making even the most ordinary day extraordinary. When a holiday came, Jacqueline went over and above to make it a memorable time, in fact, her family describes holidays as magical. As the family grew to include grandchildren, Jacqueline was thrilled, and for years Sundays were days when the whole family gathered together for dinner. Movies with her daughter were also a regular event. Jacqueline was there to attend all of her grandchildrens events and activities as she had been with her own children. During her sunset years this tradition continued with her great-grandchildren, and it was hard to tell who enjoyed having sleepovers more - Jacqueline or her grandchildren! The past five years had been a very special time for her as she was blessed to have been living with her daughter and her family. Throughout her life, Jacqueline was one to keep busy. For years she and Bob were members of the Port City Saddle Club, and she also met with a groups of friends who had formed their own club on a monthly basis. Jacqueline and her husband loved traveling around in their late 60s Buick convertible, especially as part of a parade. She was a charter member of Unity United Methodist Church where she served as secretary and a member of the choir for many years. Outgoing, social, and organized, Jacqueline was the activity director and then the administrative assistant at Hillcrest Nursing Home, retiring in the mid-sixties. Giving to her core, she also volunteered as a learning buddy in her daughters classroom who worked a teacher. Around home, Jacqueline loved sewing and quilting, various crafts, and gardening. All who knew Jacqueline Edsall would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was strong and courageous with a graceful confidence that carried her through the storms of life in a way that was such an inspiration to those around her. Jacqueline was kindhearted and ever mindful of others, which made her an amazing friend to everyone she met. It was easy to see that her family was her heart and soul, and in everything she did they were in the forefront of her mind. Jacqueline was truly irreplaceable and will be forever missed. Jacqueline J. Edsall, age 87, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2015. She is survived by a son, Ted (Terry) Edsall; daughter, Denise (Robert) Bray; grandchildren, Kristin (John) Lumpp, Mathew (Jen Hartness) Bray, Jaren Edsall, Katie Edsall; 2 great grandchildren, Johny & Ryan Lumpp; sister-in-law Aimee Edsall; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Robert; and brother, Melvin Wantz.