Jacquelin Dorothy Perry

LA JOLLA, CA —

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Jacquelin Dorothy Perry, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Jacquelin, maiden name Merrill, lived in La Jolla for over 62 years. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 88 on February 10, 2021, and went to be with her Lord and Savior and her husband, Curt Perry, who predeceased her in 2019.

“Jackie” was born in Denver, Colorado, on March 16, 1932, to her father, Jack Merrill Sr., previous manager of the Linda Vista Theater, and mother, Dorothy. Jackie came to San Diego at age eight with her family, including two younger brothers, Jack and Dwight.

Jackie attended Kearny Junior and Senior High School and later attended San Diego State University. A friend from San Diego State invited her to be in the Yearbook Club at San Diego State, where she discovered

March 16, 1932 - February 10, 2021 her love of writing. On a whim, she entered a writing contest and won first place. Her giftedness as a writer was evident. Jackie then decided to major in journalism at San Diego State. She went on to become a reporter for both the San Diego Union and the Evening Tribune, writing weekly for the social column.

Here are some of her claims to fame: As a young beauty, Jackie was chosen as a candidate for Belle of the Blue Book Ball by the classmates at San Diego State University. As a reporter, Jackie was privileged to interview Doris Day, Elizabeth Taylor, and other well-known

figures. She enjoyed the many perks of being a reporter, receiving theater play tickets, as well as yearly attendance at the La Jolla Jewel Ball, and many more.

Curt and Jackie served as leaders for church high school, and college groups. They opened their home to high school and college kids, traveling missionaries and ministry groups, as well as Christian women’s group meetings throughout the years.

For over 20 years, Jackie devoted her time to keeping up with the needs of missionaries by supporting them, typing missionary newsletters, and mailing out correspondence to partners and donors. She was active in Forest Home Women’s Auxiliary, a group that raised funds for kids to attend Christian Camp.

Jackie had a special place in her heart for teaching preschoolers and did so into her late 70’s. For approximately 30 years, Jackie helped with the organization and teaching of Sunday school to 3-5-year-olds. She would collect stickers and trinkets as prizes for the children. She purchased birthday wrapping paper and other items with the children’s names on them to make them feel special.

Jackie’s care for others was evident at a young age. She began donating blood before she was 18. During her lifetime, she donated 10 gallons of blood!

Jackie is survived by her daughter Michele, son Craig, son-in-law, Jay, brother Dwight, granddaughters Natasha and Kendall, greatgranddaughter Lilly, and a host of extended family and friends. We will greatly miss our Jackie, but she will always be in our hearts.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., at the First Baptist Church of Clairemont, 3219 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA. R.S.V.P. mvwegter@gmail.com. Please sign the Guest Book online obituaries.sandiegouniontribune.com