Jacquelyn Nancy Mahan of Ventura, California passed away peacefully on November 8, 2022. Jacky is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Frank Emerson Mahan; son, Frank Emerson Mahan Jr. and daughter-in-law Kate Wollman-Mahan; sisters Genevieve Foss and Catherine Olson, brother Glennis Garnas; granddaughter, Heather Mahan; 3 nephews, 6 nieces and 20 grandnieces and nephews.
To those lucky enough to know her, Jacky was an uplifting and cheerful person who brought a smile to everyone around. Unceasingly friendly, Jacky would strike up a conversation with anyone, making friends wherever she went. Her favorite phrase was "think positive" and this mantra led her to be a light in the lives of all who knew her.
She dedicated her life to caring for others and devoted herself first and foremost to her family. Her son, Frank Jr, was her pride and joy, and Jacky was incredibly proud of his many accomplishments. She balanced a career as a legal assistant with being a wife, a niece - often a caretaker, and a mom. Somehow, she found time to help Frank Jr. with his homework, nurture his various athletic endeavors, teach him manners, and put a hot meal on the table every night. As soon as Jacky's granddaughter Heather was born, Jacky thought of little else but her. It was a rare day when a package filled with gifts for Heather did not arrive at Frank and Kate's apartment in New York City. Heather would frequently visit her beloved Grandma in Ventura and arrive to find the apartment filled with toys, art supplies, clothes, and special activities.
Jacky was also generous with her time and energy in her community, from weekly volunteering in a local elementary school classroom to helping with her condo building management. Being around children was her passion and she excelled at teaching reading. She had a green thumb and made sure the landscaping around her building was filled with beautiful flowers. Every year at the holidays Jacky's home would be transformed into a cookie making factory, and her many friends and neighbors would receive beautiful Christmas tins.
Jacky rose from humble roots to achieve tremendous success and stability for her family. She was born in Mason City, Iowa to Harriet Arlene Curley Garnas and Glen Lester Merlin Garnas on November 4, 1946. She grew up on a farm and was active in 4H; as a gifted speaker, she won many awards in debate. She was active in the First Lutheran Church, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. She went to high school at Northwood-Kensett Consolidated, graduating in 1963 and attended one year of college at University of Iowa, studying education. In 1965 she moved to Los Angeles, California to be closer to her aunt and uncle, Charlotte and Duane ("Bud") Eidahl. She worked for many years as a legal secretary and formed close friendships with the attorneys she supported. Jacky fell in love with California and soon met her husband, Frank, marrying in 1975. Together, they enjoyed dancing, camping, and waterskiing. Jacky and Frank lived in Beverly Hills for three decades and moved to Ventura for retirement to be closer to the ocean. When Charlotte and Bud grew older, Jacky dedicated herself to their care.
Jacky's positive energy led her to always be resilient, overcoming many obstacles including breast cancer. Her nature was to care for others before herself, and often said "don't worry about me!" Throughout her life, Jacky remained grounded and had an appreciation for the many blessings in her life. She would take time each morning to watch the ocean and listen to the waves from her patio, while checking in with family and friends.
Jacky will be dearly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held at Crown Plaza in Ventura on December 4, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.