Michael P Forbes
Our beloved Jackie ... there are just too many tears (I know, I know ... Jackie had that rule ...)to be able to properly capture the depth of respect, love and affection we have for our dear Jackie. She was a shining light of goodness, love and concern. What a heart --- when we arrived in Washington DC in 1980 with Al D'Amato it was Jackie who took all of us under her wing, guided us through the chaos of a new Congress, she knew EVERYBODY and she always could get whatever impossible request done. Was there a Capitol Police officer who didn't know Jackie, often "check in" with her, stop by and say "hello"? Or the framers, housekeeping, Secretary of the Senate or Clerk of the House staffs that she didn't know and more, among them whom didn't know and love our Jackie? She looked out for us and for our families. Never a time would we talk that she in her own selfless way wouldn't inquire about you, your family, how things were going, could she be of help ? etc etc. From Jackie's point of view, life was never about her but about being there for everyone else ... When I was elected there she was stepping out of a well-deserved retirement ... like a 911 call, loaded up with supplies, calendar, organizer and ready to make sure "Mikey" didn't screw it up. I love her for that ... coming back to the Hill to embrace me and make sure I got off to the right start. She was with me -- even when she disagreed with me (and more than not was right), she was loyal, loving, caring, generous and forgiving ... As we spoke over the years, an always generous heart gave even more. To her adopted Rehoboth Beach community, to the least of our "brothers and sisters" .... just when Jackie was being asked to shoulder still more burdens --(to us they might be burdens, but never to Jackie ... just another chance to show her love) ... she volunteers to help folks with AIDs, the food pantry ... and so much more. In every conversation, she lifted up, remained joyful and loving no matter the trials or tribulations. Barbara and I are blessed to have fallen within her sphere, to have benefitted from her love and affection to know her as a blessed friend and mentor. To her beloved Mac, her children and grandchildren whom she cherished (and delighted in bragging upon when we could coax her to talk about herself) our heartfelt sympathies and prayers. God gave us Jackie, a wonderous blessing that for everyone of my days, I shall remember with tremendous affection and love -- may He shine His abundant graces upon you, dear Jackie, and may we learn from your example of a distinguished, exemplary life full of joy, of love and care for others.
God bless and keep you close, my cherished friend.
Michael P. Forbes
Member of Congress
1995-2001