Jackie Kiefer

Jackie Kiefer of Mystic, CT, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt, and caregiver, passed away on November 9, 2024, leaving an unfillable void for those who knew her. She was 83 years old.

She was born July 28, 1941 in Sewickley, PA, growing up in Aliquippa, a once burgeoning steel town on the banks of the upper Ohio River. There, she met her beloved husband of 60 years, Lou Kiefer, while working for him at his family’s drug store. After they married, they left the pharmacy behind them and moved to West Virginia, then Connecticut, where they raised their three children.

Always looking to improve the lives of others, she worked as a middle school special education paraprofessional, while pursuing a degree in Occupational Therapy. She studied late into the night after long days that included bringing the best out of her students, making sure her own kids got to their extracurriculars, and running a household. Her drive and perseverance never went unnoticed and served as an inspiration to her three children. Her hard work paid off as she graduated from Manchester Community College in 1988, making the Dean’s List multiple times and earning a degree as an Occupational Therapist Assistant. For over 20 years, through compassion and personalized treatment plans, she had a profound impact on her patients' lives, allowing countless clients to regain independence and overcome physical limitations. More than that, she empowered her patients with a sense of hope, confidence, and accomplishment that allowed them to lead richer, more fulfilling lives.

She always brought out the best in others and her compassion knew no end, not just in her professional life, but in all aspects of life. She took in multiple foster children while raising her own. She had an open heart and was always eager to make new friends wherever life took her and enjoyed striking up conversations with just about anyone she crossed paths with.

In addition to helping others overcome obstacles, her other passions included baseball, travel, politics, reading, gardening, the theater, making new friends, and above all, her family. Together Jackie and Lou raised three children in Glastonbury, CT before work took them to California, then Maryland. Eventually they retired in Hernando, Florida for 20 years, before settling back in CT to be closer to family. Over the years, Jackie often combined her love for baseball and family by umpiring local little league games, coaching her daughter’s softball team, and spending countless hours at ballparks cheering on her daughter, sons, and all four of her grandchildren.

Time spent with friends and family was what Jackie enjoyed most of all. Whether it was vacations with Lou and her in-laws, or family picnics at Harkness Park, Jackie was happiest with those she loved. She showed that love by spreading and sharing in the joy of others. At gatherings she was the life of the party, making sure everyone was included, whether that was in conversation, competing in friendly party games, or getting everyone up on the dance floor. She had a way of disarming even the most reserved, reluctant dancer to join in the fun.

She is survived by her three children, Peter (Giovanna) Kiefer, Katheryn Sullivan, and Michael (Susan) Kiefer; four grandchildren, Kiefer Sullivan, Peter, Victoria and Roberto; and her in-laws whom she loved as her own siblings, David (Shirley) Kiefer, Dorothy (Jim) McDivitt, and Mimzy (Bobby) Schaller, beloved cousins David (Della) Dobish, Russell (Audrey) Dobish, Michael (Cherie) Dobish, and Susan (Kevin) Shears, as well as her niece, four nephews, and seven grand-nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed, but we are grateful for the many ways she touched the lives of everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.

Services will be private. Donations can be made in her honor to the United Way of Southeastern CT, in lieu of flowers.

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