Jacqueline Jacoby

Jacqueline “Jacquie” Jacoby, 87, of Shippensburg, departed her life on the afternoon of Friday, March 31, 2023, in the loving arms of her son, at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born on October 11, 1935, in Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Moses and Giovana “Anna” (Cervio) Strohecker. Jacquie was a 1953 graduate of Pottsville High School and a 1957 graduate of Shippensburg State Teachers College. She married Harold B. “Hank” Jacoby on September 19, 1958. He preceded her in death on June 28, 2000.

Jacquie worked for the Big Spring School District as an Elementary teacher for 32 years, retiring in 1991. She was a member of the Shippensburg First Church of God, where she enjoyed being a part of the choir.

Jacquie was an avid lover of all sports her entire life. Her favorite sport was baseball, and her ultimate favorite player was Pete Rose. A highlight of her life was being able to speak to Pete Rose on the phone and receive a signed baseball. She was a black and gold Steeler’s fan and enjoyed being able to see “Big Ben” play during a pre-season game. Being an athlete herself, she played four years on the Shippensburg State Teachers College women’s basketball team and on multiple PA Senior Olympic teams and individual sports including softball, basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, badminton, long jump, high jump, shot put, and the 100-meter run. She earned a total of 44 Olympic metals in gold, silver and bronze in both team and individual events. Her traveling softball team was the PA Phillies, where they competed all over the United States representing Pennsylvania.

Jacquie loved not only participating as an athlete in sports but also volunteered as an umpire and concession manager for the Shippensburg Little League. She coached her grandson in baseball with the Lurgan Orioles. She was always known lovingly as the official team grandmother.

She served on the board of the Jack’s Baseball Team, which became known as The Shippensburg Stars Baseball Team and was a member of a local bowling league in her younger years. Being a huge community supporter, over the years, she would often be seen at local sporting events cheering on our future athletes or volunteering to lend a hand.

She enjoyed reading, drawing and painting. Watching classic movies and a ball game were some of her favorite things to do. She was quick to smile and laugh. Every person that met Jacquie easily fell in love with her. Jacquie had a deep faith and lived each day with gratitude, compassion, love and joy.

Jacquie is survived by her daughter, Evelyn G. “Evie” Russell and husband Scott of Nicholasville, KY; her son, Benjamin A. “Ben” Jacoby and wife Kimberly of Shippensburg, PA; grandchildren, Mara (Fay) Hollis and husband Joseph of Lexington, KY; Anthony Jacoby and wife Abigaill of Shippensburg, PA; Billy Russell and wife Kayla of Lexington, KY; Nicholas Jacoby and fiancé Taryn Miller of Shippensburg, PA ; great grandchildren, Brock and Isabella Russell of Lexington, KY; Grace Hollis of Lexington, KY; Charlotte Jacoby of Shippensburg, PA; sibling David Strohecker of Schuylkill Haven, PA.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her siblings John “Jack” Strohecker; Jane Prince; James Strohecker; Richard Strohecker and dear friend Nancy Cawthern.

A memorial service will be held at 6:30 pm on June 9, 2023, at the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc., Shippensburg. Pastor Gary Hornbaker will officiate. Interment will be private. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on June 9, 2023 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shippensburg First Church of God, 121 E King Street, Shippensburg, PA, 17257 or Shippensburg Little League, P.O. Box 461, Shippensburg, PA 17257.