Jacqueline Erna Okulski
Jacqueline Erna Okulski passed away in Tiburon, California, on April 6, 2018, after living for many years with Multiple Sclerosis. Born Jacqueline Erna Ranges, and known as Jackie, she was 79 years old.
Jackie was born in Passaic, New Jersey, on March 5, 1939, to Erna and Harold Ranges. She graduated from Clifton High School and attended Fairleigh Dickinson University, both located in New Jersey. Jackie had a strong work ethic and began working several jobs during high school. Her first full-time position was as a reservationist at Eastern Airlines in New York City. She later worked as assistant to the CEO at International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT), where she became skilled at using shorthand. Jackie met the love of her life, Benjamin Ronald "Ron" Okulski, on the bus to New York City during their commute. Ron and Jackie were married in 1960 and had three daughters: Michelle, Janelle, and Danielle.
In 1970, Ron's job with WAB- TV in New York City brought the family to KGO Television in San Francisco. Jackie flew to California to look for a house and fell in love with Tiburon. She and Ron bought a home on Rowley Circle and immediately joined the Tiburon Peninsula Club. They both became active tennis players at the TPC, and the girls joined the swim team. Later, when she was unable to play tennis, Jackie became an avid lap swimmer and swam daily at the TPC.
Jackie contributed to the community in many ways after moving to Tiburon. She served as the secretary and treasurer of the Del Mar Homeowners Association. She was a board member of the Tamalpais Union High School District. She served as president of the Driftwood Foundation. Her proudest accomplishment was co-founding the Redwood High School Foundation with Roberta Hawthorne. The foundation still exists today as the primary fundraising organization for Redwood High School.
Jackie is survived by her husband, Ron Okulski, and their three daughters: Michelle Nadel of Santa Monica, Janelle Grimes of Hillsborough, and Danielle Racich of Tiburon. They live with their husbands: Craig Nadel, Mike Grimes, and Rick Racich, respectively. Jackie is also survived by eight grandchildren: Erin, Brian, and Lauren Nadel (Joe); Jeff and Audrey Grimes; and Jake, Jacqueline, and Kendall Racich. Jackie is also survived by her two brothers: Chuck Ranges of New Jersey and Jerry Ranges (Lis) of Hawaii.
Jackie was a uniquely positive person, even when faced with 30 years of living with Multiple Sclerosis. She had an amazing attitude toward life, a great sense of humor, and an incredible love of family and friends. Those who knew her know that she always loved a good party and a good time.
A service will be held at the Westminster Presbyterian Church at 240 Tiburon Blvd. on Saturday, April 14 at 1 pm, with a reception following afterward at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice by the Bay, the Redwood High School Foundation, or the National MS Society of Northern California in memory of Jackie.