Jacquelyn Ellen Schapiro McKernan died on May 25, 2020, at HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Jacque, 78, was born in 1941 in Chicago to Sidney J. Schapiro and Ellen M. Schapiro. She graduated from Hinsdale Central High School.
She was a lifelong learner, earning nursing degrees at College of DuPage and Andrews University, and a master’s in community health nursing/administration at Loyola University, where she was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She ultimately completed her doctorate in health education with emphasis on diabetes mellitus at The Union Institute in 1998.
Jacque was a nationally certified diabetes educator and a professional member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators. She was frequently a presenter at symposiums and conferences and helped educate doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, dietitians, pharmacists and other health care professionals about the many aspects of diabetes.
She dedicated many of her summer vacation weeks volunteering at a diabetes camp for children. She was an active member of the Catholic church, sang in the choir and was a member of a Bible study class. Jacque loved being around people and never said no to anyone. She enjoyed being with family and friends, the outdoors, gardening and reading. In summer she liked to relax in their Northern Michigan cabin at the lake, slalom skiing, playing golf, reading on the deck, swimming the lake every day, and enjoying the hummingbirds, chipmunks and other animals in the wild.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Ellen Schapiro; her husband of 53 years, Thomas Ward McKernan; and her siblings, Dennis Schapiro, Timothy Schapiro, Thomas Schapiro and Geraldine Schapiro Crosby.
She is survived by her sons, Brian (Kimberly) McKernan, Grant McKernan and Glenn McKernan; her grandchildren, Bobby McKernan and Kai McKernan; her siblings, Daniel (Jane) Schapiro, Lori (Dan) Slayden, Rosemary Schapiro Mulkins, Marysue Schapiro and Kathleen Schapiro Aguilera; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Those wishing to contribute a message, memory or favorite photo to a Jacque’s memorial may do so at https://www.NewTraditionFunerals.com.
She will be laid to rest with her husband at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. A celebration of life service is expected to be held after the current restrictions on public gatherings have been relaxed.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202, or to https://www.diabetes.org.
