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Jacqueline Joyce Ward, 60, of Peachtree Corners, GA passed away on December 20, 2018.
Jackie, or J.J. as she was referred to by family, was born October 18, 1958 in Montclair, New Jersey. Jackie was bold and influential; she will be remembered by her sharp intellect, endless thirst for knowledge, and seemingly infinite willingness to help family and friends. Jackie was a respected professional whose career produced both professional accomplishments and decade long personal friendships. Great food and spirits were always available when in her company. In addition to a love of traveling and world exploration, she enjoyed playing solitaire, hosting action movie marathons, reading medical journals, and rewatching classic TV shows in her spare time.
Jackie is survived by her daughter Erika Ward and granddaughter Raya Ward; sister Donna Hazell; nieces Michelle Thornton, Brittani Hazell, and Kali Hazell; nephew Douglas Hazell, Jr; as well has her extended family. Jackie surrounded herself by a very close circle of friends who can best be described as her soul mates: Suzanne Channel Wright and Bill Wright, Beth Hellmann, Kathleen Fuell, Helen Burtis, and Geoff Cestaro.
Friends and family will host a celebration of life gathering to be held 3:30PM to 6:00PM on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub, 1410 Dresden Dr #100, Atlanta, GA 30319. The family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation 3570 Buford Highway, Suite 202, Duluth, GA 30096 (678)584-0914. Messages of condolence may be shared at www.GeorgiaCremation.com.
Carl Ferrell says
My heart hurts that you are gone. You were my other sister, my dearest friend, and my go to. You will always be missed and loved from your extended family. Going to miss those TV watching weekends, and cooking for family bbq’s. Love you.
Stephanie H. says
Please accept my condolences. May the God of Comfort give you all the needed strength during this time this His word and future promises! (Revelation 21:3,4; Isaiah 41:10)
Warren Jones says
Erika please accept my condolences . No words at a time like this seem to bring any comfort however please know she touched so many lives and we are blessed to have known Jackie
Laura Stengl says
No words can describe what a loss there is. Jackie was wonderful person. She will surely be missed by all her co-workers here at Zurich. My condolences to the family. You are in my prayers.
Eric Stoley says
Erika and Raya, my deepest condolences. I had the joy of working with Jackie as a peer and colleague for a couple of decades. Her wit and wisdom will be missed.
Michele Mecca says
Erika, your mother was my friend, my mentor and my hero. Her sharp intellect was unmatched. Her laugh was infectious and genuine. She was loving and supportive to her friends and lethal to her foes.
May your mother’s strength and love follow you and Raya forever and may you enjoy life with all the vigor your mother possessed.
Doug McIntosh says
Erica and Raya: Being able to work with your mom and getting to know her professionally and personally over the past 10-15 years as I was able to to do, was a true blessing in my life, as well as others here at our law firm. She was a courageous leader, especially brilliant and confident in her life path. She spoke of you both often, when we would have down time in meetings or judicial proceedings. Jackie is in our hearts and prayers and we will miss her special wit and humor in what is otherwise a very serious business, which she excelled at.
Dorothy Serio says
I have no words to Express my feeling at this moment Erika, Raya and Donna please know you are loved and in my prayers. Dorothy Serio (Geoffs mom)
David McIntosh says
Erika and Family:
Jackie was my dear and close friend for 20 years. While I cannot deny grief at her passing, I choose to celebrate her life and memory. Her greatest quality was that she was always herself, to eveyone and in every situation. She did not suffer fools, but she did share her friendship and love. I will not miss her, because she will be with me forever. Peace and love be with you.
joan kenchik says
Erika , There are no words to express the tremendous loss to those who knew and loved your Mom. I don’t need to tell you Your Mom had a big and bold heart and personality that filled a room and was infectious….the room always lit up when Jackie arrived !! I had the privilege to work with your mom who always shared her vast knowledge. We had a wonderful opportunity to spend a week in Puerto Rico years ago on a tough case with a great result because of a tough Great woman!! My prayers are with you. I know she is surely lighting up Heaven, Sincerely Joan
Bernice Nash says
Erika and Family,
You had a great woman in your presence! I only met Jackie once, however her essence was one that stayed with you. She has truly left a legacy and her life is a celebration. My prayers and condolences are with your family.
Kathleen Giorgio Fuell says
Erika and Raya,
How thoughtful of you to include as Jackie’s soul mates. Words cannot describe what a blessing it was to be one of her soul mates for 32 years. She has been a part of so many of the highs and lows of our lives, including careers, weddings, births, divorces and deaths. She always provided support, love, and great advice (sometimes painstakingly honest, but always very thoughtful and from the heart). She was our go to person when we were struggling with issues. She challenged us to be honest with ourselves, and not to accept anything but the best from each other. We were all better people (although not always the best behaved!) when we were together.
We had so many adventures together all over the country, and raised a ruckus everywhere we went. We all laughed, cried, and yelled at one another, just like soul mate sisters do. It is an honor to be part of Jackie’s extended family. I hope that you both know that Helen, Beth, Susie and Bill, Geoff and I will always be there for you. You are part of the incredible mark Jackie left on the world, and we love you very much.
Beth Hellmann says
Erika & Raya,
Kathleen said it so eloquently that I can’t say much except “Ditto.” One thing I have to add is that JJ’s generosity was immense. Opening her home to Rachel when Rach moved to ATL was amazing! Because of that extended stay, Jackie is now also my daughter’s treasured friend, not just mine. I am so glad Rach had the chance to get to know her on a closer level and got to have her own relationship with her.
This loss happened so quickly- it made me really look at the true gifts we are given in life. Treasure every moment with each other! Every moment with a friend is a gift of a new memory being made. I treasure every moment I shared with Jackie and will spend the rest of my life opening those gifts over and over again -reliving those fun, crazy memories of my time with her. I love you both very much!!
William Losen says
Dear Erica and Raya
I had the distinct pleasure of knowing Jackie as a colleague and better yet a friend for the past 25 years. We held the same position at Zurich
until they recognized her extraordinary abilities and promoted her upward in the companies chain of responsibility. She was unflagging in her mission of getting the best result for the company. She was held in the highest respect by her colleagues and the many attorneys who worked with her.
I had the opportunity to host Jackie and her granddaughter Raya and the Wrights at my summer home in northern Michigan. We spent a week together exploring the various sites in the area.
I will definitely miss her sharp wit and her capacity to enjoy life to its fullest. My heart goes out to both of you and wish you my sincerest condolences.
Saturday the 12th we can celebrate her life. It is only proper for someone who was so passionate about living and enjoying her family and friends.
Ms. Ronni Kahn says
Only hearing of Jackie’s passing today, I immediately wanted to send my deepest condolences on such a great loss. I have had the professional pleasure of working with Jackie over the last 10 plus years. This allowed us to form a phone friendship. Jackie was the salt of the earth as they say. Her voice when talking non work held such love for her family.
I will miss working with her.
Derek Hurlbert says
All Friends and family know what a blessing it was to have Jackie touch our lives. I have had the pleasure or working with Jackie for more than 10 years. Many have commented on her intellect, her wisdom and her wit. All of those comments are absolutely true. I will remember Jackie for her willingness to help others. She had a tremendous heart. We will all move forward with our lives in one way or another. Although gone, Jackie will not soon be forgotten. She was one of a kind!