October 19, 1936 – December 19, 2023
Sister Jacqueline (Jackie) Lawson died peacefully on December 19, 2023 at Carondelet Village in St. Paul. She was a creative, devoted, and engaging teacher; lover of music and family, with a delightful, mischievous sense of humor.
Sister Jackie was born on October 19, 1936, the second of eight children born to William and Ann Marie (Wolk) Lawson, in Minneapolis. She entered the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1954.
She received a bachelor of arts in elementary education and history from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul (1965). She also spent several years studying educational psychology and Spanish at both the University of Minnesota and in Mexico City.
Jackie was first missioned to teach elementary education at St. Mary in White Bear Lake; St. Mary, St. John, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the Cathedral School in St. Paul; St. Eloi in Ghent, MN; and St. Stephen in Minneapolis. After a yearlong sabbatical in Mexico, where she sharpened her language skills and knowledge of the cultural traditions of many of her students, she returned to St. Stephen, but felt a strong call to go and teach in the intercity schools of El Paso, Texas. Jackie spent more than 20 years sharing her unique gifts with the young children of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Douglass Elementary, and St. Pius School, all located in El Paso.
A former principal had this to say: “Sister Jacqueline did an excellent job of teaching, particularly the slower learner, putting in much time and effort to plan lessons that would stimulate and inspire. She had the extraordinary ability to spot and build up those students who really needed the extra care.”
Jackie’s enthusiastic and joyful spirit, along with her love of making music and good fun, was often enjoyed by the residents of Carondelet Village. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her.
Jackie is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers William J., Thomas, and Todd Lawson. She is survived by sisters Jeri Pitta, Jan Domais, and Mary Michele Lawson; brother James Lawson; and by nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, friends, colleagues, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates, St. Paul Province.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 17, at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, with burial following at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. Memorials preferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph Ministries Foundation.
Dear Jackie, rest in love and peace.