Virginia Beach —Jackie passed away on May 6, just weeks after her diagnosis of metastatic bladder cancer.
She leaves behind her husband of 22 years, Gary Banim, her 16-year-old son Joseph, 12-year-old daughter Sara, and her mother Sandra Forte-Nickenig and stepfather Pete Nickenig. Her father Joseph Forte predeceased her in 1996. Also grieving are her German Shepherd, Black Lab, and Bengal cat.
Other family and friends too numerous to mention (some that date back to kindergarten in Brooklyn, N.Y.), will hold Jackie’s no drama, uncommon common sense, and “it’s no big deal” attitude with them forever.
Although she holds a degree in Fashion ad Marketing, her true vocation became apparent at the age of 11 when she volunteered after school helping children with special needs. Her career of job coaching and supportive services to disabled adults began in New Jersey and resumed when she relocated to Virginia Beach in 1996.
A memorial service was held at Ohef Sholom Temple.
Donations can be made to the Virginia Beach SPCA, 3040 Holland Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23453.