Jackalyn Sichi-Krzmarzick

Our beautiful and beloved Matriarch, Jackalyn Louise Sichi-Krzmarzick, 87, was called home to heaven on July 1, 2017. She had a heart of pure gold and a deep, unconditional love for her incredibly blessed and very large family. Jackie's sudden passing of a heart attack, happened at the end of amazing day celebrating the life of one of her dearly loved children, Mark Sichi, who had passed unexpectedly just one week before. As she passed, Jackie was absolutely surrounded with love by her loving husband, Kris, and 28 family members.

Jackie was born in Long Beach, CA on Dec. 23, 1929 to Kenneth and Evalou Walker. Jackie's parents divorced when she was just 2 years old. She was raised mainly by her Mom, as her Dad moved to Chattanooga where he worked for the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority). Her Grandma Bolinger (Grandma B) was a nurturing and positive influence on young Jackie. Jackie was always a strong person with a survivor spirit. In spite of her less than ideal childhood, Jackie was an excellent student and grew into a lovely and remarkable young lady. In 1945, at the age of 15, she met the first love of her life, Gordon Sichi, when they were introduced by a friend. Gordon attended Fairfax High and gorgeous Jackie attended Hollywood High. Gordon, fell head over heals in love with Jackie. Jackie was welcomed with open arms into Gordon's loving Italian family as the romance began. Later in 1945, Gordon served in the Army in post WWII Germany. Jackie then went to high school in Long Beach, attending Wilson High School, then Long Beach Polytechnic, where she graduated in 1947. Following Gordon's return from the Army, he and Jackie were married on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1947. The two sweethearts started their family right away. Gordon also began his 35 year career with Bank of America, which later included various management positions.

Gordon and Jackie purchased their first home in Woodland Hills in 1953 to raise their family. They were very hard-working and energetic young parents. Jackie babysat, in addition to caring for their young sons, Gordon and Greg, so she could help raise money towards the down payment. They welcomed 7 children in just 11 years: Gordon, Greg, Gaye, Mike, Mark, Mitch and Melanie. They were members of St. Mel Catholic Church. In 1961, they moved their family of 7 children to a much needed, larger home on Lubao Avenue, also known as Candy Cane Lane. Through the years, the family enjoyed the special Christmas spirit, decorating and caroling that took place in their neighborhood. It felt like a blessed childhood to their kids, with numerous camping trips to Yosemite and Lake Tahoe, bike rides, hikes, trips to the beach, Dodger Stadium or fishing. Summer days were spent hanging out in the neighborhood and going in and out of the pool. Jackie was, of course, a hard-working and amazing homemaker for a number of years. Her Mother-in-law, Rose Sichi (Nanny), taught her everything she knew about cooking, sewing, etc. Jackie soaked it all up, "like a sponge." When Nanny was later asked who she would pick to be stranded on a desert island with, she picked Jackie because she was so smart and resourceful. Later, whenever Jackie was asked how she managed to raise all those kids, her standard answer to acknowledge the compliment was, "it was all a blur."

Jackie, who always loved school, started taking some part-time classes in her late thirties, first at West Valley Occupational Center, then she was off to Pierce Community College. Later, she transferred to CSU Northridge, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a History degree in June, 1974. Following that, Jackie enjoyed student teaching, and received her teaching credential. She then launched her 20 year career as a teacher for LA Unified and loved it! Jackie spent most of her teaching years with 2nd graders at Micheltorena St. School in Los Angeles.

For many years, before and after retirement, Gordon and Jackie took numerous trips to Hawaii, several to Europe, and cruises to Alaska, Mexico and Panama. They enjoyed returning to Tuscany, where Gordon's family originated and meeting his extended family. In 1994, Gordon and Jackie retired to Fallbrook, where they found paradise, spent 10 years together and made many new friends. In retirement, Jackie continued her active, giving life, which was always full of love. Besides travel and spending time with kids and grandkids, Jackie was a member of the AAUW and Fallbrook Republican Women for many years. She was co-president of the Fallbrook Branch of AAUW with Barbara Krzmarzick from 1999-2000 and was president of AAUW from 2000 to 2001. Eventually, her beloved Gordon's health slowly declined. Gordon passed away in Dec. 2004, after 57 wonderful years together.

Following Gordon's passing, her dear friend, Barbara Krzmarzick passed away in 2006, after being cared for by her husband, Kris, during a long illness. Eventually, Jackie and Kris dated and fell in love. They were married on December 22, 2007 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Oceanside. As Kris describes it, Jackie (whom he always called Jackalyn) took his breath away, and continued to do so during their time together. Kris and Jackie happily spent almost 10 married years together! They also enjoyed a busy social calendar with friends, various clubs, bridge, and family gatherings. Jackie's children love and appreciate Kris and his family. All appreciate the beautiful and very classy couple that Kris and Jackie made.

There are not enough words to describe Jackie's personal qualities. She was amazingly beautiful, inside and out, and totally gracious and classy. Jackie had a cute sense of humor, told a great story, and always was a ready and empathetic listener. She was a social butterfly and really loved a party. Most of all, her heart was full of deep, endless love and nurturing for her family, which made Jackie a wonderful wife and the very best, understanding and supportive Mom, Grandmother (Nonni) and true friend to all her family. Jackie would drop everything to lovingly care for any family in need, such as spending nights at Children's Hospital, to help with Granddaughter Paige, when she was ill with cancer as a toddler.

Our precious Jackie is survived by her passionately devoted husband, Kris, who considered responding to her needs as opportunities for "acts of love". She is also survived by 6 of her children and 3 of their spouses: Gordon (Suzie), Greg, Gaye, Mike, Mitch (Kathy), and Melanie (Mitch R). Nonni will be dearly missed by her 17 grandkids: Tom (Cindy), Cielo (Erin), Nathan (Suzi), Mike (Monique), Chris (Jisethe), Heather, Ryan (Melissa), Cory (Meggie), Haley, Gina (Koko), Shauna, Matt, Nikki (Steven), Joe, Ashley, Paige and Andy. Nonni's 16 adorable great-grandkids are: Ayla, Tenaya, Meison, Liliana, Nico, Katie, Sara, Jacilyn, Layla, Allie, Ben, Charlotte, Graham, Bella, Dezi, Lucci, with baby Wyatt on the way. Jackie also leaves behind the rest of the treasured Krzmarzick family: David (Michelle), Tom (Joyce), Jennifer (Craig), and Eric (Yvonne), as well as the Krzmarzick Grandchildren: Mikayla, Luke, Natalie (Chris), Tim, Avery, Bryn, Sean. Jackie will be very missed by her brother-in-law, Floyd Sichi, and his large clan which includes 7 Sichi nieces and nephews, (Julie, Steve, Joe, Gianna, Mary, John and Ann), and their spouses and children. Also, Jackie leaves behind the Castello family, and numerous loving and very special friends. When Jackie arrived in heaven, she must have had a great homecoming and welcome from God, first husband Gordon, son Mark, son-in-law Bill Donovan, sister-in-law Evelyn Sichi, "sister" Dolores Castello, and many loved ones.

Jackie was a beautiful, strong and inspiring role model of the ultimate wife, Mom, and Nonni. She filled her life with love, worked hard and told her children they could be anything they wanted to be. For us, her very blessed family, she was everything we could have ever hoped for, and every moment with her was a true gift! We plan to pass on Jackie's legacy of love. We are so grateful, Our Dearest Mom and Nonni, and we will keep you forever in our hearts, with all our love!!

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jackie's honor can be made to Anacapa School in Santa Barbara, a Junior High and High School, very near and dear to Jackie's heart for over the past 35 years.

Donate to
Anacapa School
814 Santa Barbara Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Attention: Gordon Sichi