Jacqueline (Jackie) Harrington passed away on April 22, 2024 following a period of declining health. She was 86.  Jackie was born in Salem to Warren and Osana (St. Amand) Patenaude on December 9, 1937. She initially lived in North Salem, eventually moving to the home her parents built in South Salem where she lived until the time of her death.  She attended Salem schools and graduated from Salem High School where she was a proud member of the Clerical Service Corps. Following high school Jackie went to work for Parker Brothers Games, initially as a game tester ("I loved it!") followed by a long tenure as President Ranny Barton's Executive Secretary. Jackie transitioned to the Barnsider Corporation in Danvers where she also worked for many years.

Jackie's Salem High yearbook quote was "Some say the world is made for fun and frolic, and so do I!"  She did love to play – games, golf, cards, keno, the slots—and had enjoyed a trip to the Seabrook Casino just last month.  She was an avid golfer well into her 80s. .

In addition to playing hard, Jackie was an incredibly hard worker, exemplifying the devoted, responsible employee of the 1950s, arriving at work hours before she needed to be there. When she wasn't working or playing, she was re-wallpapering her dining room or painting her living room or washing and ironing her curtains.  Jackie had a flair for color and design which was on full display in her impeccably maintained home.

Jackie was "one of a kind," "a character," "like none other."  To a person, those are the comments evoked by those who knew her. Brash, unfiltered, often hilarious and surprisingly tenderhearted, that was Jackie. We loved her.

Although she loved fun and frolic, Jackie's life was not absent challenges and hardships. True to form, Jackie chose to focus on the those aspects of life that brought her happiness. She will be deeply missed.

Jackie was predeceased by her brother Walter Patenaude and sister Patricia Blenkhorn. She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

All are invited to remember and celebrate Jackie at on May 3, 2024 at Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St, Salem, MA. Visitation at 10 a.m., funeral at 11 with a reception to follow at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Old Salem Greens Golf Course or the Massachusetts Weimaraner Rescue. For additional information or online guest book please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.

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