Jacqueline Marie Sears, who passed away on December 24, 2024, at the age of 100, was born to Katherine (Hickey) and John Lally on August 18, 1924.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John Joseph Sears, brothers Raymond, Michael, and sister Catherine (Patsy) Mahoney. She is survived by her brother John and sisters Mary Abeyta and Judy Sarto. She is survived by her four children: sons Brian (Sherry) of Stamford, Connecticut and Richard (Terry) of Plandome, New York, and daughters Deborah of Wayland and Pamela McCarthy (partner John Manning) of Westford; 10 grandchildren: Jessica Bauers, Tyler Sears, Anne Sears Pasciucco, John, Matthew, and Emily Sears, Ryan and Jennifer Payne, Meghan Scaptura, and Sean McCarthy; and seven great-grandchildren.
Jacqueline earned a bachelor’s in 1976 from Regis College in Weston, where she double majored in art history and psychology while raising her four children.
A 75-year resident of Concord, Jackie administered IQ tests at the Veterans Hospital in Bedford, initially as a volunteer and then as a longtime employee. Additionally, she volunteered at Emerson Hospital, transporting patients throughout the hospital until she was 92 years old.
Jackie was the esteemed matriarch of her family — her life an example of the value of family, hard work, self-sacrifice, an education, volunteerism, and physical exercise. Jackie was a voracious reader, loyal patron of the Concord Free Public Library and a dedicated member of the Beede Center from its opening day until her last swim at 100 years old.
An accomplished seamstress and cook, Jackie was also a longtime golfer, tennis player, skier, and cyclist, and loved bridge and travel, taking many trips to interesting destinations with her son Richard’s family.
Sears family gatherings occurred frequently throughout the year, and Jackie’s vibrant presence and magnetism were unmistakably felt in the room. She was a talented and witty conversationalist who took a sincere interest in her extended family, making all she touched feel counted and important. Her sisters Judy and Patsy were her lifelong best friends. Jackie left an indelible imprint on the lives of those who had the honor and privilege of knowing her and calling her mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
Jackie fulfilled her wish to continue to live in her home in Concord into her 100th year.
Family and friends will gather for visiting hours from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, January 2, at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord Center. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, January 3, in St. Bernard’s Church at Holy Family Parish, 12 Monument Square. Interment will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made “In memory of Jacqueline Sears” to the Emerson Foundation Wound Center, 133 Old Road to 9 Acre Corner, Concord, MA 01742.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in Jackie’s online guestbook, visit DeeFuneralHome.com.
