Jacqueline Louise “Jackie” Valinoti (née Brandley), 73, died peacefully in loving care on Tuesday, August 6, 2013, at Chatuge Regional Nursing Home, Hiawassee, GA, of complications from kidney disease. Jackie was born on March 11, 1940 in Beaver Dam, WI, to John and Helen Brandley. The family moved to Lake Geneva, WI, when Jackie was a small child and she spent the remainder of her youth there. She was active in lake sports including swimming and ice skating, and her passion for drama led her to become president of Lake Geneva High School’s drama club. Jackie graduated from high school in 1958, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1962 with a degree in Home Economics.

After college graduation, Jackie moved to Waukegan, IL, to pursue a teaching career. In Waukegan, she met Michael Valinoti and they were married in Lake Geneva on July 11, 1964. Jackie and Mike raised their two daughters in Waukegan. Jackie worked part-time as a pre-school teacher, volunteered as a catechism teacher at her church, and served as an assistant “Brownie” troop leader. She enjoyed mentoring junior teachers, playing bridge with her many neighborhood friends, and vacationing with her family. Jackie and Mike retired to Hiawassee, GA, in 1996. There they enjoyed the beautiful mountain and lake views, friendly neighbors, frequent vacations, and visits from family and friends. Jackie was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Jane Brandley; and several uncles and aunts.

She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her family: her beloved husband of 49 years, Michael; daughters, Victoria (Michael) Sakshaug and Elizabeth (Thomas) McCarthy; sister, Judith Moore; brother, John Brandley; grandchildren, Joseph and Katherine Sakshaug and Sylvia McCarthy; an uncle and aunt, Benjamin and Doris Little and cousins, William Little, Lela Schaefer, and Cheryl Wenker. Many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews also share in her legacy.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff of Chatuge Regional Nursing Home for their special care of Jackie.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 12, 2013 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Blairsville with Rev. Mr. Paul Dietz officiating. Interment will follow at Laurel Hills Memory Gardens in Hiawassee. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Michael Sakshaug, Joseph Sakshaug, Thomas McCarthy and John Brandley.

The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 6 until 8 p.m.at the Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee with a Rosary prayer beginning at 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jackie’s memory may be made to Chatuge Regional Nursing Home, 386 Bel Aire Dr., Hiawassee, GA 30546.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee.