Write a commentWe are saddened to announce the death of Jacqueline (Jackie) Meyer at the age of 90.
Jackie was a current resident of Fayetteville, New York. She lived a long and accomplished life, dedicated to her family and dear friends, and was devoted to involvement in her church and signing "choir".
She was a lifelong learner and happily pursued knowledge in her career in Speech-language Pathology (SLP). Jackie was a lover of reading since age 4, an avid listener of opera, and an enthusiastic follower of national and international soccer matches. She was a proud gourmet cook and loved antiques and local artwork collecting. She loved and cared for too many cats to count, but had a special love for her cats named George, Gus, Cookie, and Remy. Last, but not least, she daily craved for a "good cup of coffee" (which she considered the"elixir of life").
Jackie passed away from dementia-related complications on September 26, 2024, at The Manor of Seneca Hill Hospital, in Oswego New York. Her family will be forever grateful to the staff at The Manor for their supportive and compassionate care provided with grace and dignity.
Jackie was born on July 29, 1934, in Ithaca, New York, to Mark Miscall, and Mary Louise (Mae) Miscall (Winters). Jackie graduated from Central High School in Syracuse, New York. She attended Syracuse University and obtained an undergraduate degree from Kansas State University in English Literature. She developed an interest in Speech-language Pathology, and, in her mid-forties, Jackie graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Master's of Science Degree in Speech-language Pathology. Although Jackie was finished with earning more academic degrees, she never stopped pursuing knowledge and sharing her earned wisdom. She was especially proud of her position as a lecturer in the Speech Pathology and Audiology Program at the State University of New York-Cortland and developed a special interest in earlylanguage and literacy. In her early 70s, Jackie wrote a textbook with her teaching partner (Eileen Gravani), "Speech, Language, and Hearing Programs in Schools: A Guide for Students and Practitioners". She was a frequent guest lecturer, both locally and nationally, in the areas of early literacy, and language-based learning disabilities. Jackie did not retire from her position at SUNY-Cortland until she was nearly 84. Despite retirement, and developing dementia, Jackie maintained her fascination with learning about the people who surrounded her and loved inquiry in terms of other's knowledge and interests. Alternatively, if Jackie had not pursued a career as an SLP; her family agrees that she could have been very successful as an interior decorator or personal stylist. Even in her final months, she loved a "perfect accessory"!
Jackie married her high-school sweetheart, Walter (Walt) Meyer, in 1953, and they were married for nearly 39 years before his sudden and unexpected death in 1992 shortly after his 60th birthday. She often remarked that he was "literally, the one true love" of her life. She remained devoted to his legacy until her own death 32 years later. Together they raised 5 children (Kim (Monte), Holt (Laurie), Eric (Alma), Leah (Dan), and Suzannah (Jay). Beyond the romantic love for each other, Jackie took pride in the "partnership" and mutual support during their marriage. Walt was also an "academic" (in nuclear engineering), and Jackie enjoyed telling people how she typed and edited his dissertation, thus practically earning a PhD too!
Church attendance and involvement was extremely important to Jackie and Walt as a couple. Each time they moved to a different state or community, finding a church that was a good "fit" for them was definitely a "couple" decision. What was perhaps a bit unusual was that the final decision might be among a variety of choices (usually protestant, but not necessarily a deal breaker!). It just needed to feel comfortable and right for the family. The last church "family" they chose together as a couple in 1982 has remained Jackie's church to this day (United Church of Fayetteville). The United Church has provided solace, support, celebrations, community interaction, an extended family, bible study, and true long-lasting friendships. Jackie has been a long-time member of the Signing Choir, which was meaningful to her both in terms of her lifelong connection to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, as well as her profession as an SLP. Jackie and her family are grateful to The United Church members for their outreach and support during her illness. The visits from members have been comforting. As a family, we know that dementia may be upsetting and difficult to understand. The unconditional acceptance shown to Jackie by certain members will be remembered and appreciated.
In addition to raising children, supporting each other's careers, and church involvement, Jackie and Walt had many shared interests such as gourmet cooking, sailing, art collecting, visiting museums, zoos, and National Parks, loving their many cats, and music (Jackie loved opera, Walt adored country music!). They both enjoyed meeting each other's students and interacting with fellow faculty members. What gave them the greatest pleasure though, was following and sharing in their children's (and grandchildren's) interests and talents, from athletics (wrestling, soccer, swimming, track, tennis, dance recitals, gymnastics, and rowing "crew"), to music (instrument recitals, marching band, rock concerts), to science fairs, art exhibits, and stage plays. They were engaged "fans" in the audience, concert hall, or bleachers! One of Jackie's fond memories that she was able to share was attending one of her eldest grandson's (Louis) rock band performances on her 75th birthday! Louis was proud that his "cool" grandmother was able to be there (with protective earphones of course!). Many of her grandchildren have remarked on how special she was as a grandmother because she showed a sincere interest in them and how important they were to her (and how much fun they could have together!). Jackie was generous with her time and attention to her grandchildren, and knew how to choose the perfect holiday or birthday gift (but also demonstrated how to be a legendary bargain hunter!). Jackie's children and grandchildren will have countless stories, anecdotes, and memories to share in the years to come.
Jackie was predeceased by her parents (Mark and Mae Miscall), her sister Lorraine (married to Tom Angus) her husband Walt, and her sister-n-law Joanne (Walt's sister).
Jackie is survived by her children Kim Meyer Nevins, (Monte Nevins), Eric Meyer (Alma Molina Meyer, Leah Meyer Scott (Daniel Scott), and Suzannah Meyer Campbell (Jay Campbell). She is survived by her grandchildren Louis Nevins (Kristin Smart), Jon-Eric Meyer (wife Jaime Meyer), Samantha Meyer, Kailah Scott (Cameron Hunter), Kathleen Campbell, Scott Campbell, and Dana Meyer. Great Grandchildren include Jason Meyer, Jenner Meyer, Juliet Meyer (sons and daughter of Jon-Eric and Jaime Meyer), and Arlo Topping (step-son of Louis Nevins).Jackie is also survived by Tom Angus, a dear former brother-in-law, as well as his daughter Kathy, a precious, fun-loving niece.
As a lifelong devotee of education, science, and learning, Jackie made the decision to donate her body to science. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are to be made to an educational institution of your choice and/or a church memorial fund or charity of your choice. With sincere thanks from the children, and grandchildren.
Arrangements are in the care of the Dowdle Funeral Home.
