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HOWLAND -- Jackie Hamamey passed away Thursday morning, Sept. 25, 2025. After 3,368 days apart, Jackie Hamamey rejoined her beloved Al, following a 9-year war with Alzheimer's. Jackie was, at the time of passing, with her daughter and son-in-law at her side, at their home, where she had lived since losing Al in 2016.
Jackie was born Nov. 7, 1940, in Cleveland, a daughter of Irene and Edward Paterek.
She was a proud wife, mother, phenomenal cook and so much more. She loved her wine and her Cairn terriers, Casper and Max, because they reminded her of Toto from "The Wizard of Oz."
She and Al were married Sept. 16, 1961, less than a year after meeting at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, where Al worked upstairs as an air traffic controller and Jackie managed the Sky Chef restaurant / lounge in the terminal. After marriage, Jackie continued to work full time to pay for Al's pilot license, while Al worked to pay for Jackie's convertible, their food, rent and her voracious shopping habit. Al always said she was his better half, and he was never wrong.
Jackie gave up the girl boss life when their only child, a daughter, came along in April 1968. She devoted herself full time to being the best loving wife and mother.
Jackie was THE consummate adoring wife with an unflappable sense of duty to Al's career and their family. She wouldn't blink when strangers dressed in Air Force flight suits or three-piece business suits would knock on their door and tell her, "Al sent me over for dinner, he told me to tell you he'd be here shortly." Never one to be rattled easily, Jackie would give their guests her million-dollar smile, invite them in, make cocktails and set another place at the table. She was always ready to entertain. People may have come into her home as strangers, but they left as family.
Jackie and Al enjoyed bowling in their younger days, as well as golf and shooting pool. Later in life, Jackie rejoined the workforce by working at Sears Auto Center in Niles, where she met so many wonderful friends that she and Al simply cherished.
In retirement, Jackie was, for many years, a regular at Howland Giant Eagle and was on a first-name basis with most of the pharmacy staff and cashiers.
Jackie and Al were season ticket holders of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers for several years; both enjoyed all of the games and shared the wonderful, much-loved friends they made.
Jackie leaves her daughter, Michelle, and her devoted son-in-law, Randy Gooding.
Private services will be held, per Jackie's wishes. Burial will be in Howland Township Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Crossroads Hospice in Cleveland, especially Jackie's long-time hospice aides, Carmella, Kayla and Bridget; they loved and treated Jackie like family, and we are forever grateful for them.
Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Jackie's family.
(special notice)