Jacqueline Woolf Pine

Jacqueline “Jackie” Woolf Pine, born August 14, 1926, died at age 98 on November 16, 2024. She was pre-deceased by her husband James A. W. Pine. She is survived by her 5 children, Sally McDugald (Tom), Laurie Wallace (Bob), Gordon Pine (Tracey), Carrie Pine and Valery Behr, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.

Jackie grew up in Ithaca, New York, learning to play piano from her mother, and to love the outdoors from her father. She attended Ithaca High School where she caught the eye of an upper classman who asked if he could write to her while he served time in WWII’s Navy. She agreed and a few years after the war was over and she’d finished college classes at Cornell, they were married.

Jackie lived in Oneida County for the 1960s and some of the 1970s as a housewife, but that, and 5 children did not stop her from pursuing her hobbies. She focused on nutrition, fitness and organic gardening to keep herself in good health. She gave attention to her passions by writing letters to relatives and friends, singing alto in choirs, and exploring art classes in watercolor and sculpture. 

Jackie was an active member of the communities in which she lived. In the 1960s alone, she was busy advocating for the Holland Patent community in many ways. When the State Highway Department threatened to cut all the majestic elm and maple trees along Highway 365, she got petitions and letters sent to those in charge. That action saved quite a few trees in and near Holland Patent. Jackie also made sure to offer her time and energy to uplift those in need. She created “Contact,” an innovative program at the time to connect local employers with those seeking work. Another “non-profit” she ran out of the home was created when she collected Girl Scout uniforms that were no longer needed and made them available to families looking to cut costs. With a big heart for the needy, every week for years, she also made time to read to an elderly blind woman in the village. Jackie demonstrated that one person’s efforts could make a difference for many others.

After Jim retired in the mid-1970s, he and Jackie moved to California. They lived within walking distance of the Venice beach, and later in Culver City. But by their 80s, they decided to move back to upstate NY where they could be closer to family. Jim died shortly thereafter, in 2012, but Jackie was able to live independently at Schuyler Commons in Utica for 5 years. She attended the City Hope Fellowship in Utica and her pastors remember her smile and optimistic personality. In 2017, she suffered a brain injury after a fall. She was cared for briefly by the kind staff of Sitrin’s Rehab in New Hartford, NY, but after suffering some strokes, she was cared for by the staffs at the Presbyterian Assisted Living and Nursing Home, also in New Hartford. We are very grateful for Presbyterian Home’s professionalism and the family-like TLC and activities offered over those seven years. Jackie died with family by her side.

If you knew Jackie, it would be wonderful if you would sign the online guest book below.

In lieu of flowers, consider sending a donation to the Presbyterian Home in New Hartford, NY. https://www.communitywellnesspartners.org/presbyterian/donate