Jacqueline "Jackie" Fae (Shahan) Gaetti

Jacqueline Fae “Jackie Gaetti, age 81, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 8:17 P.M. on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at Carlyle Healthcare Center in Carlyle, Illinois.  She was born on January 10, 1936 in Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of the late John Edward and Geraldine Audrey (Littrell) Shahan.  She married William Joseph “Billy Joe” Gaetti on November 21, 1953 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois and he preceded her in death on Thursday, August 24, 2017.

Mrs. Gaetti is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Simmons and husband David of Springfield, Illinois; son, Gary Gaetti and wife Joni of Sugar Land, Texas; grandchildren, Joseph Gaetti and wife Ashley, Jacob Gaetti, Gigi Gaetti, Ariana Merari, Stuart Simmons, Laura Simmons and Robert Simmons; great grandson, Luca Gaetti; brother, William Shahan and wife Paula of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; sisters, Carolyn Berndt and husband Bob of St. Louis, Missouri and Peggy Cole and husband David of Pekin, Illinois; sister-in-law, Joann “Pat” Kusturin of Centralia, Illinois and several nieces and nephews.    

In addition to her husband of 63 years, Mrs. Gaetti was preceded in death by her parents; brother, John M. Shahan and brother-in-law, Michael P. Kusturin.

Mrs. Gaetti was a member of the First Apostolic Church and formerly a member of the Free Methodist Church in Centralia, Illinois.  She was a strong follower of her church and deeply believed in her Christianity as she was always reading and studying her Bible. She was a member of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union.  As it was told by her children, Mrs. Gaetti was a wonderful baker and cook.  She enjoyed sewing, especially outfits for her daughter.  She liked flowers and singing. She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

Mrs. Gaetti retired as the executive secretary for the president of St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, Illinois.  She formerly was an executive secretary for Associated Truck Lines in St. Louis, Missouri, Centralia Cartage in Centralia, Illinois for 20 years and Siegler Heating Company in Centralia, Illinois.  Earlier in life, she was a bookkeeper for her parent’s bakery, Kay’s Donuts, in Centralia, Illinois.  Mrs. Gaetti graduated with Centralia Township High School’s “Class of 1952”.  She graduated as valedictorian of her class at the age of 16.  In her high school yearbook, she was given the title “Brains”.  She was a member of the National Honor Society. She lived most of her life in Centralia, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life Services for Mrs. Jacqueline “Jackie” Gaetti will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Jonathan Urshan officiating.  Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park near Centralia, Illinois. Family and friends are invited to visit with Mrs. Gaetti’s family from 12:00 P.M. until the time of the services at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 21, 2017, at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Gaetti’s memory to the First Apostolic Church in Centralia, Illinois and Carlyle Healthcare Center Activity Department and will be received by the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mrs. Gaetti’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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