Jacqueline "Jackie" Teal Kasprzak of Charlestown , NH died on October 20th at the age of 72.  She passed away on her own terms  with her husband and daughters at her side.  Jackie is admired for her bravery, dignity, and unfailing sense of humor throughout her illness, but more importantly for the way she fully lived the seventy two years that she spent with us.

An  active member of her community, Jackie volunteered for the garden club, tree committee, Charlestown Friendly Meals, the town library, the Red Cross, an adult literacy tutoring program, and Fort Number 4.  In addition, she was always baking, cooking, knitting , building, carving, quilting, or sewing for someone.  For nearly 25 years she worked at The Charlestown Elementary School as a volunteer,  tutor, and educational assistant.   She had a real knack for finding a child's strengths and encouraging and engaging them in the learning process.

Jackie was a lifelong learner, avid reader, and traveler.   Her unflagging curiosity, compassion for others, and enthusiasm for life were contagious.  She saw the good in everyone, was a genuine listener,  always found ways to connect with those she met, and treasured her many lasting friendships.

She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Bob, her daughters Jackie and Leslie, her sister Valerie,  her son-in-law John, and her four grandchildren Sawyer, Elias, Lilly, and Aidan.  Her family was her joy and she honored and celebrated each of us for our unique qualities. As a hands-on mother and grandmother, Jackie was never at a loss for a game, a project, a story, or a batch of cookies.  Her uncommon kindness and generosity of spirit have inspired us and will remain in our hearts always.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Saint Luke's Church on Main Street in Charlestown,  on Saturday, October 30th at 1 pm.  A reception will follow.  In lieu of flowers, Jackie requested that donations be sent to Charlestown Friendly Meals, PO Box 713, Charlestown, NH 03603 or to The Fall Mountain Food Shelf, PO Box 191, Alstead, NH 03602.