Jackie Peccia, born in Billings, Montana on October 14, 1946, died on January 5, 2022, at the Son Heaven Assisted Living facility in Helena, Montana. Jackie was the mother of two wonderful children, Jan Michelle and Steven Chris. Jan preceded her mother in death on July 12, 2015, as did her parents, Warren and Dora (Ginther) Holmes of Harlowton.
Jackie went to grade and high school in Harlowton, Montana where she graduated with honors in 1964. She was a popular student and was on the cheerleading squad and in band. She attended Montana State University in nursing for two years and did her internship in Great Falls where she obtained her LVN. She later attended Carroll College and graduated with honors in accounting.
Jackie married Robert Peccia on June 9th, 1966, in Great Falls, Montana. They lived for a time in Los Angeles and returned to Montana living in Helena in the Sunhaven Addition of Helena for 27 years where they raised their children. They later moved to their home in the Elkhorn mountains. Jackie and Robert divorced in 2010 but remained friends even after the divorce.
Jackie was involved in her husband’s engineering business (RPA) and was the company’s accountant from the inception of the company to until the business was well established, and was an integral part of the success of the company. She also helped Jan and Didi manage the Montana Book & Toy Company for many fun years. She was also on the Board of Directors of Shodair Children’s Hospital, Race for the Cure and the Lewis and Clark Library Foundation for several years.
Jackie is survived by her son Chris, daughter-in-law Didi, grandchildren Rylie Peccia Stokes (David Stokes), Ally Peccia, Grace Peccia Stayner (Victor Valverde), Hillary Stayner Potuzak (Eric Potuzak), Mallary Stayner (Sean Maguire), brother Dean Holmes (Dianne Hunter Holmes) and sister Linda (Duane Duckmanton) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Even though in an assisted living home for several years, Jackie was well taken care of by her loving son and daughter-in-law Chris and Didi. They visited her on most days and took her out to enjoy the Montana outdoors that she loved whenever they could. Her family would like to acknowledge all those at Son Heaven and Compassus Hopsice that took such amazing care of Jackie. You are truly appreciated.
Jackie was a warm and generous person, always caring deeply for others. She enjoyed hiking, fishing, tending to her flowers, gardening, reading, spending time with her family and grandchildren. She was particularly fond of her dogs and horses. She will be incredibly missed by all. The family suggests memorial donations be made in her name to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society or Helena Education Foundation in honor of her love of animals and children. A celebration of her life will be held this summer at her beautiful ranch in the Elkhorns.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Jan (Sassano) Funston says
Chris
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I have many fond memories of all of you living next door and reconnecting with your mom at Shodair.
I am sorry for your loss.
Jan
Liz Hayden says
I am sorry for your loss. Jackie was a special friend to my Dad (Pat Hayden) at Son Heaven. She always greeted us with that beautiful smile and kind words. Jackie was a beautiful person inside and out. Condolences to her family.
Carol E Bonner says
Thinking of all the years we walked to school together. Jackie’s kindness through the years will always be remembered. I know you will be remembering how much she loved each of you & the joy she felt having such a wonderful family. Take care, Carol
Linda Minkoff says
Jackie had a beautiful and kind heart. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Peg Hunter says
Chris and Didi,
So sorry to hear of Jackie’s passing. She was such a warm and welcoming presence when I first started working upstairs at the bookstore…a lovely woman full of grace and kindness.
Peg Hunter
Jim Pellegrini says
Chris:
Sorry about the passing of your mother. Hope you are doing well. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim And Debbie Pellegrini
Kay Johnson says
Chris, Didi and family –
So sorry to hear of Jackie’s death. She was such a warm, wonderful person. I so enjoyed visiting with her at Montana Book Co. whenever we were working together. How special that you got to spend so much time with her these past few years.
Kay Johnson
Lane F. Mathis says
Jackie’s family,
I just heard of Jackie’s passing and am so sorry for your loss. Jackie was always kind, generous and extremely gracious. I miss her so much. Seeing her name on the books always brought peace and happiness to my day. All the years of the honor of taking care of Jackie’s hair was without doubt my blessing. The world sure needs more people like Jackie. Blessings to all your family.
Lane and Janet Mathis
Suzanne and Gary Christian says
Jackie was such a remarkable lady. We were friends in California as early-marrieds and became mothers the same winter. I remember her as so kind and caring, a good cook, and fun. That laugh was so endearing. I came across her obituary strictly by chance this week and still cannot believe it. Gary and I thought the world of Jackie and are so saddened by her passing. We will always remember her with love.