Dec.
28, 1960 - June 2, 2010NORTH LIBERTY -Jacqualine M. Grabarek, 49, passed away at 6:52 pm on Wednesday, June 2, 2010 in Memorial Hospital, South Bend. Jackie was born on December 28, 1960 in South Bend to Raymond and Jeanette (Stachowiak) Jasinski. She was preceded in death by her father on November 19, 1999. On November 12, 1983, she married William Grabarek. He survives, along with their two daughters, Katelyn and Joanna Grabarek, all of North Liberty; her mother, Jeanette Jasinski of North Liberty; sister, Janelle Jasinski of South Bend; and by her three brothers, Michael (Julie) Jasinski of North Liberty, Bill Jasinski of South Bend and Joseph (Kristen) Jasinski of North Liberty. Jackie graduated from New Prairie High School in 1979. She went on to earn her teaching degree from IUSB in 1983 and achieved her masters in 1998. As a teacher for over twenty-six years, Jackie touched the lives of more than six hundred and fifty pupils. Her classroom not only acted as an environment for learning and development, but also as a safe haven for those who needed it. Jackie loved to share her passion for reading with others, especially those just learning the skill. On many occasions, Jackie opened her classroom to young adults pursuing the career of education. Just as she molded the minds of her students, Jackie also guided the novel teachers through the obstacles a classroom may present. In 2008, Jackie was rewarded for her hard work inside the classroom when Penn Harris Madison named her the Teacher of the Year. Beyond the classroom, Jackie was also active within her church. As a member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Terre Coupee, she enjoyed reading Masses and performing her duties as a Eucharistic Minister. For many years, Jackie also instructed the youth of the church through a Catholic tutorial session. Jackie's passion to help others reached beyond the walls of her classroom. She was a mentor and role model to her many nieces, and a reliable confidant to her sister. Jackie loved to attend family gatherings, and would always insist to bring along a dessert. Prior to any actual baking, Jackie would pour over her cookbooks, searching for the perfect dish. She would deem the dessert a success if the plate returned empty. Within her home, Jackie was a loving mother and wife. She loved spending warm summer days with her family relaxing on the beach. Many afternoons were spent monitoring the current Cubs game, her boisterous whoop signaling a home run. Jackie loved to travel and would often plan family vacations to various attractions within the country. Still, her favorite place to reside was on her front porch with her husband of twenty-seven years. Jackie attended each tennis match her two daughters played, her voice ringing out over the courts as she cheered for every shot. Her lively conversation was always punctuated with either a favorite movie quote or phrase from her meager Spanish vocabulary. Jackie's love and compassion were trademark characteristics, as she always put the needs of others before her own. Friends and family could always count on a call or cards on birthdays or anniversaries. She leaves to cherish her memory and the lessons taught from a life well-lived her adoring husband and their two daughters. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637 Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday, June 7, 2010 in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road where a Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 in St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. For those who are unable to attend the Funeral Mass, condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net