Jacqueline Goldman: Obituary

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces Memorial Services for Jacqueline Goldman, age 84, of Hiawassee, Georgia, who passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2015.She was born Jacqueline Marie Zabadal, but her friends knew her as Jackie. Jackie grew up in Syracuse, New York with her younger sister, Joan – they were very close. She loved to work at her father’s camp – it was the first boy’s day camp in New York. She attended the State University of New York at Cortland, where she received her elementary teaching degree. It was there she met Howard Goldman, of The Bronx, New York, and they were married in 1954. She taught elementary school for several years after college and also sometime in the late 60’s. In later years, she had been a substitute teacher in Hyde Park and in Hiawassee.

A very caring and compassionate person at heart, Jackie was always volunteering her time, whether it was to her local church or hospital, it was very fulfilling to her to help others in need. She was even the sponsor to a native American underprivileged child back in the 70’s. Jackie loved to skate – originally it was ice skating, and then in the late 70’s she discovered roller skates. In Hyde Park, she would compete in roller skating events.

A lover of nature, Jackie loved to hike in the mountains and woods of the Adirondacks. One of her favorite places was Indian Lake, New York, where she would take her children, and hike the mountain trails, all along the way identifying most of the indigenous plant life for them. An avid gardener, she had a beautiful rock garden…..her sister Joan is also an amazing gardener and it is Jackie’s wish to have her ashes scattered in her sister’s garden.

Jackie was always either taking art classes or teaching art. A very gifted artist, she loved to paint, especially water colors, and was a recipient of many local art awards and various recognitions for her artwork. All of Jackie’s children are artistic in their own different disciplines because of her encouragement.

Jackie also loved sewing and needlework, and made beautiful gifts for her children and grandchildren.

A devoted follower of Christ, Jackie loved to study her Bible and talk about her faith. Religion was predominant in her life and in the way she lived. Jackie was originally Catholic and then became Methodist, and was interested in learning about other religions, and accompanied her daughter-in-law’s mother going to temple services.

She also enjoyed music – dancing and playing the piano. Old movies – especially musicals, were a favorite of Jackie’s. She wished to play either Adelaide in Guys & Dolls, or Nellie Forbush in South Pacific. Her love of musicals has been passed on to her children! Jackie faithfully attended her children’s musicals and plays, and they were encouraged to share her love of music.

Later in her life, Jackie was finally able to make her dreams of traveling come true by visiting Ireland, England, France and especially Italy.

She will be warmly remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her family: son & daughter-in-law, Michael & Dede Goldman; daughter & son-in-law, Joan & James Nolin; son & daughter-in-law, David & Vicky Goldman and son & daughter-in-law, Paul & Marci Goldman. 6 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren also share in her legacy.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at Hiawassee United Methodist Church with Rev. Sam Hamby officiating. Special music will be presented by Sarah Goldman.

The family suggests that donations in memory of Jackie be made to: Towns County Food Pantry, 1294 Jack Dayton Circle, Hiawassee, GA 30546.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee. Please share your condolences with the family on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.