Jacqueline (Jackie) Dorothy Jefferson Haley passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on May 9, 2023. Jackie was born July 6, 1932 in Salem, Mass., to loving parents Rossana and Alfred Sansoucy Jefferson.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Claire Jefferson Connell, Pauline Jefferson Russell and Delores
Jefferson Arpin, and brothers, Alfred “Juni” Jefferson and Norman Jefferson.

She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Mark Haley, (Bainbridge Island, Wash.), David Haley and Diane Downing (Holderness, N.H.), James and Chris Haley (Newburyport, Mass.), Paul (Jackie’s favorite) and Maureen Haley (Salem, Mass.)

As a child, Jackie attended St. Anne’s Grammar School and graduated high school from St. Chretienne’s Academy, which served Salem’s large French-Canadian population at that time. French and English were both spoken in the Jefferson home.

Jackie attended Salem Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1950 and graduated in 1953. As a Registered Nurse, her life’s work was devoted to those in her care. Her career began with the Salem Public Health Department and later joined the nursing staff at Salem Hospital specializing in respiratory care becoming one of the earliest Respiratory Therapists in the United States. She eventually took on the role of director of Respiratory Therapy at Salem Hospital and was a fierce advocate for patients and a mentor for nurses and medical staff. She spent the later years of her career returning to direct patient care, caring for the sickest individuals and those needing special attention. Her compassion and gentle manner helped many local families facing end-of-life decisions.

After retirement, Jacky moved full time to the Lake Region of Harrison, where she developed many lasting and precious friendships. She loved to travel and was an avid skier. More than anything, she loved the small-town life and could regularly be found at pot-luck dinners with friends or volunteering at town and church events. She cherished her sister-in-law Shirley Davis and their group of close friends around Proctor Pond, Crystal and Long Lakes.

After returning to Massachusetts to be closer to family, she was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia, a form of Dementia. Never one to complain or engage in self-pity, she continued to relish time with friends and family including her lifelong friend and fellow nurse, Mary Tremblay. Together, they worked at Salem Hospital, raised families, and traveled in retirement creating many happy memories.

“Grammie Jackie” especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, Faye, Andrew and Grace Haley (Marblehead, Mass.), Alexandra, Rachel and Jeremy Haley (Newburyport, Mass.), Akira and Margaret Haley (Bainbridge Island, Wash.). She found joy in the simple pleasures of reading, garden- ing, watching the many birds in her West Newbury yard, and spending time at family gatherings. She was also a fan of Boston sports teams, particularly the New England Patriots and Boston Bruins and could be quite vocal in her critiques.

As life came full circle, Jackie came to rely on the caregivers from Help-in-Home in West Newbury and eventually the wonderful staff at Kaplan Estates in Peabody, receiving the same level of compassionate care that she offered to so many. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Jackie epitomized humility and selflessness. She never sought the limelight. In keeping with her wishes, services will be private. Those wishing to make a donation might consider AgeSpan (formerly Elder Services of the Merrimac Valley and North Shore).

Arrangements were made by the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, Peabody. To view online obituary and sign guestbook, visit www.ccbfuneral.com