Jacqueline "Jackie" Hart

A Life of Love, Family, and Song

LOWELL — Jacqueline “Jackie” Laura Hart (nee Turcotte), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the age of 91. Jackie was the cherished wife of the late Alan M. Hart, who predeceased her in June 2017 after 53 wonderful years of marriage. Their love story began in 1963, when Jackie, a tall, striking brunette, met Al, a dashing redhead, at the Wedeln Ski Club in North Conway, NH. It was love at first sight, and they married just ten months later, embarking on a life filled with love, family, and shared adventures.

Jackie was the loving mother to Michelle Kender and her husband Jim of Chelmsford; Alan Hart and his wife Erin (McMahon) of Chelmsford; David Hart and his wife Christine (Rousseau) of Lowell; Dennis Hart and his wife Robin (Crooks) of Dover; and Martha Carlson and her husband Paul of Hollis, NH. She was also the adoring “Grammie” to 18 grandchildren: Laura, Elizabeth, Stephen (Caroline), and Nicholas Kender; Conor, Ryan, and Griffin Hart; Olivia Hart-Paulson (Kenny), John, and Matthew Hart; Sam (Cadence), Simon, Sawyer, and Sean Hart; and Carina, Anika, Callum, and Gabrielle Carlson. She delighted in their accomplishments, milestones, and joys, always ensuring each birthday was marked by her signature rendition of "Happy Birthday" on their voicemail. She was predeceased by her parents, Charlie and Laura (nee Picard) Turcotte, her brother, Andre Turcotte, and her sister Collette Ablen.

Jackie was proud of her upbringing in the Acre neighborhood of Lowell, MA, and often recounted stories of life there, including the family business, Bradt’s Crackers, and its role in their community. She attended St. Joseph’s schools, graduated high school in 1953, and pursued further studies at Lowell Business School. She began her professional life at Liberty Mutual Insurance as a salesperson. Later, after raising her children, she returned to Liberty Mutual to continue her career. In retirement, she volunteered at St. Michael’s rectory where she enjoyed being at the center of parish activities.

Singing was Jackie’s lifelong personal passion. From a young age she began stage performance and entertained audiences with her angelic soprano voice. She performed both solo and with her cherished friends, The Faithful Five, who remained close companions throughout her life. Jackie’s love for music extended to her community, where she sang in the choir of St. Michael’s Parish until recently. One of her most treasured accomplishments was performing with the prestigious Berkshire Choral Festival for ten summers, including a memorable trip to Vienna, Austria.

Through music, Jackie met her best friend, Dolly Szablak, with whom she shared countless performances and a bond that endured through the years. Their friendship was a testament to the connections Jackie forged through her love of harmony, both musical and personal.

Jackie managed to balance her dedication to family and church with a fiercely independent spirit. At 91, she lived in her own home, drove herself to appointments and to church, enjoyed shopping and visiting family and friends. Her energy and love for life never wavered, and she was known for celebrating everyone’s achievements and milestones with genuine joy. Recently, a friend aptly described Jackie as someone who ‘knew that love was infinite’.

Jackie leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and song that will continue to inspire those who knew her. Her memory will live on in the stories she told, the cards she sent, and the beautiful way she made each person feel special.

Relatives and friends are invited to Jackie’s Life Celebration on Thursday from 4 until 7 PM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday afternoon at 12 PM (Noon) in St. Michael Church. PLEASE MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jackie’s name may be made to: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Michael Conference, 543 Bridge St., Lowell, MA 01850.