"Onward and Upward"

Jacolyn "Jackie" Elisabeth Burgess completed her earthly journey on November 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving children, who held her hands as she peacefully passed into the arms of God. Strong in her faith and confident in her purpose, Jackie knew it was time to go home to her Maker.

Throughout her life, Jackie wore many hats, but her greatest joy and proudest role was that of a mother. She raised four children with unwavering love and faith, providing a foundation that continues to guide her family today.

A lifelong volunteer, Jackie devoted herself to helping others, even recently while courageously battling cancer. She was an active member of her church (SPEP), serving through Open Hands, supporting Young Life camps, and spent many years as a Eucharistic Minister at St. John the Evangelist. Jackie also proudly served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and was a longtime member of the Chalet High Board—recently re-elected for another term.

Jackie deeply loved her Linstead community, where she volunteered in many capacities and joyfully participated in the garden club. True to her giving spirit, just days before her passing, she was at her post handing out Halloween candy to the neighborhood children—a testament to her warmth, dedication, and love for her community.

Jackie spent most of her life in Linstead on the Severn River, where she formed deep and lasting friendships while walking the neighborhood she loved so dearly. Like her husband, Bill, who preceded her in death in 2015, Jackie treasured life on the river — swimming, boating, crabbing, and taking in the beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Known for her joyful spirit, quick wit, and compassionate heart, Jackie brought light and laughter wherever she went. She was an avid sports fan (especially of the Ravens) and enjoyed old Western movies. Her competitive streak shone brightly during games of cards, dominoes, and particularly when playing bocce in Little Italy with her dear friend, Marian.

Jackie earned her Associate of Arts degree with honors (Magna Cum Laude) from Anne Arundel Community College and attended Fordham University in New York City.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children: Bill Jr. (and his wife Robbie), Anne Marie (and her husband Jim), and John (and his wife Melissa); her 12 grandchildren; and her 10 great-grandchildren. She is reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, William F. Burgess Sr.; her parents, John and Lillian; her brother, Dick; and her daughter, Jackie.

A celebration of Jackie's life will be held on Saturday, November 15th at 2:00 PM at Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 110/114 Ritchie Hwy, Pasadena, MD 21122.

If anyone wishes to donate as a way to celebrate Jackie, the following organizations were near and dear to your heart; Open Hands of Maryland , Young Life , Friends of Kinder Farm Park

Jackie's faith, kindness, and laughter will continue to ripple through the lives she touched. She leaves this world with the same grace with which she lived — onward and upward.