Jacqueline B. Kochalski

Jacqueline “Jackie” Benard Kochalski passed away peacefully on August 19th, 2023 while bravely battling cancer. She was born on August 23, 1948. Daughter of parents Jack Benard and Doris (Prouty) Benard. Beloved sister of Jodi Scott. She is survived by her loving spouse, Ed Kochalski, and sons Ben and Greg Kochalski, daughters-in-law Jessie and Carla Kochalski, and grandchildren Beckett, Vincent, Giselle, Marlowe, and Garrett.

Jackie was born in Webster, NY where she fell in love with lake life. She would fondly recall countless stories of growing up with her sister, Jodi, running to the beach at the end of their street, waterskiing, or coming home to the sound of their mother blowing a whistle signaling dinner. It was her childhood that established the foundation for her love of thunder and lightning storms, a passion she eventually passed on to her sons. Influenced by the transformative decade of the 60’s, Jackie’s adoration of music, equity, her strong-will, and her rebellious-streak were formed.

While she started her college career at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, she quickly determined she needed a larger student body experience. She transferred to the State University of New York at Buffalo, majoring in Economics and Philosophy. Her college free time consisted of working on the University yearbook, The Buffalonian, which happened to be across the hall from the office of a University newspaper, The Midnight Oil. It was in these hallways that Jackie met the love of her life, Ed Kochalski.

After graduating and receiving her Bachelor of Sciences, Jackie’s love for Ed kept her in Buffalo, NY until the couple was married in Rochester, NY on September 9th, 1972. The newlyweds moved to Toledo, OH, for the pursuit of Ed’s law degree until eventually settling down in central Ohio. Jackie gave birth to her sons, Ben and Greg, while living in Columbus, until moving to Worthington where she raised her children.

Jackie’s family was her sole focus, all the while worrying over them and caring for them often while sacrificing her own needs. She had an amazing sense of humor and the ability to laugh at herself. She was compassionate, generous, and determined. She was respectful but would not stand down in the face of adversity. She had an incredible memory, intellect, and wit. She loved college football and was an avid reader. She taught her family how faith and love provide the tools to overcome any obstacle. She dearly loved her daughters-in-law, and when her grandchildren came along, she became an even brighter beacon of strength for the family.

In time, Jackie returned to her love of the lake and settled in their home on Lake Erie in Catawba Island, OH. She could always be found reading a book, playing sudoku, or talking on the phone in their sunroom looking out on the lake. In the end, her favorite pastime was to lay in her bed with the door open, listening to her adored children and grandchildren laughing, telling stories, and demonstrating the love for each other that she so preciously taught her family.

Jackie will be so desperately missed, but she will never be forgotten. Our hearts are broken but will be filled by the countless memories of the love she leaves behind. She inspired us all, and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed.

On Friday, August 25th, Visitation hours will be from 3pm – 7pm at the Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Peninsula Chapel located at 7755 E. Harbor Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 26th at 10am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church located at 822 Barclay St, Marblehead, OH 43440. Those wishing to make a contribution are asked to consider Ottawa County Humane Society or K-9s For Warriors. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com.