Jacqueline Lucille (Biasotti) Ghiringhelli
Jacqueline “Jackie” Ghiringhelli passed away on March 11, 2021 surrounded by her family. Jackie was born on December 14, 1938 at the Alameda Sanatorium in Alameda, California. She was the second, and youngest child of Louis Biasotti and Lucille Vacha. She lived in Emeryville until the age of four, when her family moved to Fairfax, just a few blocks away from Deer Park Villa, a restaurant owned and run by the Ghiringhelli family. Jackie and her sister, Arline (“Dee Dee”), grew up and played in the Deer Park area and frequently hiked the local trails. Jackie enjoyed hiking those same trails most of her life.
Jackie attended Fairfax Grammar School, Deer Park School, and briefly attended Marin Catholic High School until she was punished for speaking to a boy named Jon Ghirhinghelli - the brother of the man she later married. She then transferred to Drake High School.
When Jackie was 15, her sister Dee Dee worked at Deer Park Villa. When Dolores Forni (Ghiringhelli) needed a babysitter, Dee Dee offered up her sister’s services. While babysitting Dolores’ sons, Pete and Jim, Jackie met Dolores’ brother, Harry. One day when Dolores came home from work, little Pete said to his mom “Uncle Harry and Jackie were holding hands.”
In 1957, Harry was drafted into the Army, prompting his proposal to Jackie. Although she was only a month away from graduation, she dropped out of Drake to accept his proposal, and followed him to his station in San Antonio, TX.
A year later, Harry was reassigned to the Presidio in San Francisco and the couple moved back to Fairfax. Soon after their return, they remodeled the old carriage house on the Deer Park Villa property. It was here that Harry and Jackie raised their two daughters, Jo “Joey” and Carol. Jackie worked at Deer Park Villa for many years, catering parties and managing the books.
Jackie was passionate about her Catholic faith and helping others. She loved to go to church, especially to sing. She volunteered at St. Rita’s as part of the parish’s Helping Hands group, where she drove those in need to medical appointments, and embroidered baptismal vestments. While Joey and Carol attended Central School, she was part of the PTA and worked in the office.
Throughout her life Jackie enjoyed swimming, and met with a swimming group multiple times a week. She also enjoyed traveling and took many trips to Lake Tahoe, Graeagle, Hawaii, and Oregon, as well as a family trip to Italy to celebrate hers and Harry’s 50th wedding anniversary.
Jackie displayed boundless love for her family and for her children. After Joey and Carol were grown, Jackie kept herself busy by caring for her grandchildren, as well as other family members’ and friends’ children.
Towards the end of life, Jackie maintained her sense of humor and beautiful smile. She never complained, and always maintained her faith.
Jackie is survived by her loving husband, Harry; her sister Arline Zerkel; two daughters, Joey (Ken Thornton) and Carol; her grandchildren Bryan Carlson (Katie) and Annie Thornton; and her two great-granddaughters, Remy and Lucy.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, make donations in Jackie’s memory to Hospice by the Bay or to your favorite charity.