Jacqualine R. Vaningan Obituary (1954 - 2025)

Jacqualine R. Vaningan, born on April 24, 1954, in Oakland, CA, was a beacon of warmth and unconditional love. Everyone who crossed paths with her felt seen, valued, and loved. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, she devoted her career to helping others and carried this trait into her personal life. Jacqualine always had a helping hand to lend, reflecting her innate kindness and compassion. To know her was to experience the true essence of love and empathy. Jacqualine's love for her family and friends shone brighter than any star in the night sky. She cherished each moment spent with her children, Michele (Erik) Nelson, Jeffrey White, and Ashley (Jake) Haumschild; and her longtime partner, Jerry Foss; Her grandchildren, Mariah Nelson, Austin (Tori) Nelson, Megan Nelson, Anna Nelson, Alec Nelson, Brieana Nelson, Kiley Nelson, Antoine Nelson, Bella Haumschild, Robert Haumschild and Dakota Haumschild; her great grandchildren, Zahra Zanco, Avaeyah Zanco, August Nelson and Hazel Nelson. Her grandchildren who like to call her “Grandma Jackie” were the apples of her eye, and she delighted in every opportunity to spoil them with her affection. Jacqualine leaves behind a legacy of love in her siblings, William (Deborah - deceased) Merrick and Veronica Shelton, and her sister-in-law, Doris (Donald - deceased) Christianson. She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Iola Merrick, her sister-in-law, Deborah (William) Merrick, and her brother, Donald (Doris) Christianson. In her retirement, Jacqualine found joy in simple pleasures. Her laughter was infectious, her spirit was unyielding, and her heart was always open. She was a woman of strength, resilience, and grace. We extend a special thank you to the staffs of Aspirus ICU and Heartland Hospice for their exceptional care of Jacqualine. Jacqualine's life was a testament to the power of love and the strength of the human spirit. We invite you to celebrate Jacqualine's life by sharing your memories and photos on her memorial page. Let us remember her not with sorrow, but with the joy she brought into our lives, and the love she gave so freely.