Jacqueline Declercq
Aug. 15, 1934 – Oct. 27, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Jacqueline (“Jackie”) Pauline Declercq, wish to announce her peaceful passing after a courageous struggle with illness, at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, on Sunday October 27, 2024, at the age of 90. Jackie was born in Kingsville, Ontario to her late parents Richard and Julia (Simpelaere) DeBlaire. Over the last 3 years, Jackie has been a resident of AgeCare, Aylmer and was formerly a longtime resident of Straffordville. Jackie and Roger grew tobacco for many years on their farm just outside of Straffordville. Many will remember Jacqueline for her many years of dedication as the Manager of the Straffordville Community Centre and her cabbage rolls. Jackie was a member of St. Mary’s Church and Life Member of Straffordville – (then Tillsonburg) – Lioness Clubs. Jackie is predeceased by her husband Roger Declercq (August 7, 2014), daughter Kim Declercq and daughter-in-law Maureen Declercq. Always a caring mother and mother-in-law to: Rick (Linda) Declercq, of Nilestown; Lori (Murray) McLaughlin, of Tillsonburg; Kevin (Allyson) Declercq, of Tillsonburg; Randy (Wilma) Declercq, of Straffordville; Jody (Goran) Jovanovic, of Stoney Creek; son-in-law Fred Geddes, of Kitchener. Always a caring grandmother and great-grandmother to: Darcy, her daughter Jenna, Maisie (Trent), their children Juanita, Caleb, and Quinton; Ryan (Lindsey), their children Brooke and Reid; Brent, Mark (Sarah), their sons Jack and George; Neil; Cassidy (Pam), Tyler, and Amy (Alex), children Jay and Macklin; Jaslyn (Tom), children Dylan, Carter, Bo, Allana, Maddi, and Graceyn; Eric (Nick); Taylor (Emily), their daughter Charlie; Bethany (Mike), their children Chelsea and Ozzy; Lindee; Emmalee, and Nicklas. Lovingly remembered by her sister Madeline Lammens (the late Sam), of Langton; sister-in-law Rogette Rebry (the late Maurice “John”), of Tillsonburg, sister-in-law Henriette Jacobs (the late Marcel), of St. Williams, as well as by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by her brother Emil DeBlaire (the late Patricia) (the late Stephanie). A special thank you to Taylor Bridgman for all the kindness and friendship she showed to Jackie.
Friends, neighbours, and relatives were invited to attend public visitation on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes Chapel, 262 Broadway, Tillsonburg. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s R.C. Church, 51 Venison Street West, Tillsonburg, by Rev. Fr. Seejo John. Interment followed in Tillsonburg Cemetery. Everyone who knew Jacqueline are invited to express personal condolences, share favourite memories and photos, send flowers or contribute memorial donations to the Lions Foundation of Canada (Guide Dogs) or Charity of your choice via Jaqueline’s online tribute page at www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com or by contacting the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes- Burial and Cremation Services Inc. (519) 842-4238, entrusted with all funeral arrangements, with confidence.