Jacqueline LeMay

“And flights of angels sing thee to rest.” —Shakespeare

Jacqueline Albert Emilia Marie LeMay, loving mom and grandmother, passed away on March 12, 2020 in Melbourne, Florida at the age of 73.

Jackie, as she was known by her friends, was born in Lewiston, Maine to Albert “Leo” LeMay and Gladys Lorianne (Cote) LeMay, and was the oldest of four siblings. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications from the University of Alabama-Birmingham and Masters of Arts in Education from the University of Kentucky.

Her career revolved around writing and public relations. Early in her career, she was a reporter for The Daily Home newspaper in Sylacauga, Alabama. Her articles, which often covered schools and education, led to her becoming the Coordinator of Public Relations at Talladega College. This was one of her favorite jobs, and one in which she shined. Jackie was a people person, greeting people with a warm smile and genuine desire to get to know those she met. During her career, she had the opportunity to meet and interview incredible people like Ron McNair, American NASA astronaut and physicist; Ted Turner, American Media Proprietor; Martin Luther King, Sr., an early figure in the Civil Rights movement and father to MLK, Jr.; and Shirley Chisolm, the first black woman elected to the United States Congress. Later in her career she wrote high-level technical documents for multiple branches of the military and Department of Defense. When she retired, she jumped to her first love, penning fiction.

When she was a child, her father honored her by naming “Jacqueline Avenue” for her in her hometown of Lewiston, ME. Jackie was also proud to be honored as a Kentucky Colonel. She was a Kentucky basketball fan, and frequently cheered on the team at UK watch parties in Florida. She also enjoyed riding her bike; spending time with her knitting group; taking her dog, Amber, for long walks in the park; or spending time at the beach either collecting seashells or letting Amber frolic in the surf. During the last six years, she adventured with her dear friend, Rodger, traveling via touring motorcycle, attending plays and concerts, camping, snorkeling and attending outdoor music festivals, taking photos as she went. French was her first language, but she had also learned Spanish and most recently she was studying Italian, as she hoped to travel to Italy.

All her life, Jackie was a go-getter, whether it was going door-to-door to obtain signatures for a community cause, serving with Literacy Volunteers, or leading Girl Scouts (for a troop her daughters were not even in), she was always willing to step in and help for a good cause. Throughout her life she courageously stood up for things that were morally right, even when they were not popular, and could be counted on to really be there when a friend or family member was in need. She was spiritual and believed that angels would watch over you and their presence was evident around her –just being in her home felt like a warm hug.

She was a loving mom and shared with great pride stories of her daughters and their families. Even the walls of her home spoke of her pride, heavy with photos of her children and grandchildren. She was a problem-solver and life cheerleader, coaching you and cheering you on through life’s difficulties. She was optimistic and ebullient, with an easy laugh. And it only took riding with her once to believe in the power of optimism as her “parking mojo” always worked and she would easily get a space right next to the door, no matter how busy or crowded the parking lot. Her loving spirit and giving nature will live on in the lives she has shaped and touched, as well as through the loving family traditions she created, like unwrapping Christmas gifts one at a time, as she taught each of us the joy that comes from giving and simply seeing the happiness a thoughtful gift or gesture brings to the receiver. During her life she touched many, and it is through them that her positive, giving spirit will certainly live on.

She is survived by two daughters: Patricia Lynn Ryan, Ph.D. married to Stephen Eric Ryan, M.D. residing in San Diego, CA and Jennifer Anne Jackson, M.D. married to Kristopher M. Cumbermack, M.D. residing in Lexington, KY – all of whom she was proud to say earned their advanced degrees. She is also survived by three grandchildren: Evan, Parker, and Elizabeth, whom she loved dearly and was incredibly proud; her companion and dear friend: Rodger Lawrence who has adopted her rescue dog, Amber –now happily chasing squirrels and lizards in a large back yard; her brother and two sisters: Lawrence “Larry” LeMay, Gaylene LeMay Folker and Laurene “Lee” LeMay Ahonen; several aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, as well as great nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.