Obituary of Jacqueline Wood

Jacqueline F. Wood, age 73 of Akron, died surrounded by her loving family on Friday July 1st, 2016. Born September 26th, 1940 in Los Angeles, California, Jackie was the daughter of Harold and Ruth Zehner of Akron, Ohio. She graduated from Central High School in 1958, and went on to have six children. Jackie is survived by her brother, Tom (Linda) Zehner; her children, Lori Jackson, Paul (Dedra) Simich, Stephen (Mary) Simich, Michelle (Kimberla) Simich, Kimberly Utzinger, and Karen (Jim) Ketterer. Jackie lived life with a can do spirit, and an easy laugh. She had many different interests and talents. She was a secretary at Parker-Hannifin in Los Angeles, a court-reporter in San Francisco, a bar owner in Brecksville, a Yacht captain in Pensacola, Florida, and finally, a registered nurse in Oregon. Jackie’s love as a Hospice nurse gave her a deep appreciation for living life to the fullest and never taking anything or anyone for granted. All through her different interests, she managed to raise a beautiful and loving family that misses her deeply. Jackie had a knack for saving the best for last. She married the love of her life Gayle (Woody) Wood at the age of 65. Jackie and Woody had planned to live the rest of their lives in the Klamath Falls, Oregon until Alzheimer’s disease began to take mom away from us. Even knowing what the outcome of Alzheimer’s disease would eventually bring, Jackie always stayed positive and smiling with those big beautiful eyes that told everyone, it was going to be okay. That was the spirit that Jackie instilled in each and every one of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Evan, AJ, Kayla, Nicky, Justin, Aiden, Delaney, Sarah, Michael, Matthew, Maria, Alexis, and Brady. Jackie also left behind many friends, especially her childhood friend, Donna Lakota. She also leaves behind other special friends: James Schweizer, the late William Beinhoff, the Late John Utzinger, and the late Paul Simich Sr. The family wishes to thank the nurses and aides at Heritage of Hudson Nursing Home and Pine Valley Care Center and the hospice nurses and aids at Crossroads Hospice Care. Their kind words, their excellent care, the hugs, and shoulders to cry on were much appreciated, and will never be forgotten by the family. Jackie wished to be cremated and laid to rest next to her parents at East Liberty Cemetery in Green, Ohio. The family will have a private celebration of her life but ask that if you can, support Alzheimer’s research. If unable to support this research, please give your mom a hug or remember a special moment with her. (Anthony, Green, 330-899-9790, www.anthonyfh.com)