Jacqueline Anne Fortier

Jenison, Michigan

Born January 22, 1932, passed away June 1, 2022, after her battle with dementia. Jackie was adored by her family and all the dogs and wildlife that enthralled her over the years. She was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law, brothers and sisters. She leaves behind her loving husband and lifelong dance partner of 70 years, her three children and their spouses, thirteen grandchildren and their spouses, twelve great-grandchildren, sister, brother, and several nieces and nephews - all of whom she loved dearly.

Jackie was born in Grand Rapids and spent parts of her life in various beautiful cities in Michigan. As a young woman, she worked as a long-distance telephone operator for Michigan Bell Telephone Company. Jackie raised her children, then went into business with her husband and worked in the family manufacturing business until she retired at the ripe old age of 85. She was active for a good span of time at her parish and on the library board for the Grand Rapids Public Library.

Her life-long hobbies included dancing, reading, golfing, reading, playing bridge, reading, snow skiing, reading, sewing, whistling, listening to music, knitting and reading. Did we mention that she liked to read? Most of the time, a book a day!

Jackie never met a person or animal she didn’t like or a card game she didn’t want to master. She was selfless to a fault and preferred to hear your story rather than tell hers. Her laughter and love will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Jackie’s family would like to thank her dear caregivers from both Spectrum Health Hospice and Home Instead for the love and care that they gave her during her challenging months.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 6, 2022, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 423 First St NW, Grand Rapids, with Fr. Dick Host presiding. The burial will take place at Fairplains Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday, June 5, from 7-8:45 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. A rosary service will follow at 8:45 p.m.