Jacqueline Sue (Helsley) Sawicki

ASHTABULA - Jacqueline Sue (Helsley) Sawicki, of Ashtabula, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the Ashtabula County Nursing Home. She was 77 years old.

Born on September 26, 1947, in LaSalle, Illinois, Jackie was the beloved daughter of Paul William and Dora Pearl (Brittingham) Helsley. In 1978, she made Ashtabula County her home, where she would go on to raise a family, build friendships, and leave a lasting impact on her community.

Over the years, Jackie worked in various roles that reflected her strong work ethic and love of people. She was employed through Kelly Services, served customers at Hardee’s in Jefferson, and took great pride in her role as a crossing guard for the Ashtabula Area City Schools—always ensuring children arrived safely with a warm smile and a watchful eye.

Jackie was deeply committed to serving others and was active in numerous community organizations. She was a proud member of the Women of the Moose #547, the V.F.W. Auxiliary, the Army-Navy Union Auxiliary, the Christian Women’s Club, and the Eagles Auxiliary in Peru, Illinois. A woman of faith, she also found spiritual nourishment and fellowship at the First Baptist Church.

She had a passion for collecting elephants and miniature cups and saucers, and she never missed a good game of bingo. Her kind spirit, generous heart, and playful sense of humor brought joy to those around her.

Above all, Jackie was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her five children: Luther L. (Mary Kay) Sawicki of Ashtabula, Bradley T. Sawicki of Hinsdale, IL, Elizabeth A. (George) Morar of Boardman, and Mary Rose Sawicki of Ashtabula. Her legacy lives on through her 16 grandchildren, Jaimee, Amanda (Raymond), Sabrina, Kendra (Michael), Thomas (Raquel), Brandon, Zachary, Alexandra, Preston, George, Kadence, Nicholas, Felix, Eli, Marissa, and Allyson; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Catalina, and Kaden.

Jackie is also survived by three loving sisters—, Wilma Lamkin, Donna Helsley, and Linda Tinsley.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Felix Thomas Sawicki, whom she married on February 15, 1974; her children, Ida Mae Long, Anton J. (Michelle) Sawicki; siblings Charles, Walter, Delores Ascher, Lucetta Anderson, Ellen Ilman, Judith Rohde, Constance Strait, Paulette Y. Schauer, John P. Helsley, Russell S. Helsley, and Donald Helsley.; and her parents.

Jackie’s warmth, strength, and unwavering love will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her life was a testament to kindness, resilience, and the power of community.

A service will be held Wednesday, August 13th, 2025, at 7PM, officiated by Pastor Joe Woods, at Ducro Funeral Home, 4524 Elm Avenue, Ashtabula. Burial will be in Valley Memorial Park, Spring Valley, Illinois.

Calling hours will be held from 5-7PM on Wednesday, August 13th, 2025, at the DUCRO FUNERAL SERVICES AND CREMATORY, 4524 Elm Avenue, Ashtabula.

A memorial service will also be held on Sunday, August 17th, 2025, from 2-4PM with family sharing at 3:30PM the Ptak Funeral Home, 1026 4th St, Peru, IL 61354.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions could be made to the family.

Ducro Funeral Services and Crematory, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula is handling arrangements. Online obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com