Obituaries

VERONA - Jackie Rockweiler passed peacefully at Agrace Hospice on January 24, 2024, after succumbing to a rare and aggressive neuro-degenerative disease.

Born Jacqueline Marie Harrington on February 4, 1949, to Richard & Grace Harrington, Jackie was fiercely protective of younger siblings, especially her baby brothers. Jackie attended Central High School in downtown Madison, class of 1967. Jackie attended MATC, where she met the love of her life, Gary Rockweiler, in English class. The early-riser and the night owl were married on August 16, 1969 and remained devoted to each other for 54 years.

Jackie and Gary built a wonderful life, raising their two daughters together. Jackie enjoyed all aspects of motherhood (with the possible exception of the early morning hours). Jackie was a “stay home mom”, which meant anything but: she was a girl scout troop leader, a field trip chaperone, a religious education teacher, classroom volunteer and faithful attendant of every recital, basketball game, track meet and concert. Jackie could always be spotted in her seat, reading her book while she waited for everything to begin.

Jackie was a natural leader and was committed to service. She was a long-time member of the local Jaycette chapter, served as her chapter’s president and was also selected to be a Parliamentarian in the National Jaycee Organization. Jackie valued most the relationships she made with the other women in Jaycettes; she had lifelong friendships and many great stories about her adventures with her girlfriends. Jackie participated in the League of Women Voters and worked at the polls during elections for many years. She was the president of the Verona Library Board and spent countless hours working on the grant that gave the original library its first expansion. As an avid reader, helping to get the addition put on the library was a milestone accomplishment…Jackie wanted to share her love of reading with everyone. Jackie generously donated her time and her money to any cause close to her heart, she actively tried to change her community for the better.

In 1983 Gary and Jackie founded Rockweiler Insulation; it gave Jackie enormous pride that the small company they started turned into a second-generation family business. Jackie & Gary shared a love of Badger sports and are long-time season ticket holders. Jackie enjoyed the football games, but her heart belonged to the basketball team. Jackie was an enthusiastic donor when the Kohl Center was built, eyeing up the exact seats that the family has now been sitting in for 25 years. Jackie was an avid basketball fan and would watch just about any game that was televised; she was always an excellent resource for tournament bracket advice. Jackie and Gary enjoyed an extremely active social life in Jackie’s good years. They loved the Concerts on the Square, Overture Center, the Verona Performing Arts series and many, many dinners with cherished friends. In her alone time Jackie could be found in her nest, reading a book with the tv on, simultaneously listening to news radio, possibly yelling back at one or the other to express a strong opinion (as she was known to do from time to time).

Jackie’s prized role was that of grandmother. Her grandchildren were the sparkle in her eyes and provided endless joy to her. Living nearby, Jackie was able to see them whenever she wanted, often stopping for an impromptu shopping trip and staying for dinner, deftly never overstaying her welcome. She was an endlessly patient babysitter with the philosophy that no one ever gets in trouble at Grandma’s house--mostly because her grandchildren were never naughty. Jackie’s granddaughter inherited her flare for fashion and decorating: Jackie’s outfits were always a look, and a disorganized mess of Christmas ornaments and boxes would be transformed into magic while everyone slept. Jackie absolutely loved decorating and cooking for the holidays and entertaining at her home. Caring for her family and friends was a central part of her life, and she made everything she touched more beautiful.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Gary Rockweiler, daughters Renee Wilson (Rich) and Charlie Larson, favorite grandchildren Annika Larson and Ethan Larson, siblings June Goglio (Mike), Mike Harrington, Pat Harrington (Julie) as well as her beloved nephews and nieces.

Jackie’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the nurturing, compassionate women who helped care for her in her final days at home—you are angels--and the amazing care team at Agrace. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Jackie’s wishes were for a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

Agrace Foundation

5395 E. Cheryl Parkway,

Madison WI 53711

Madison Reading Project

1337 Greenway Cross, Suite 186

Madison, WI 53713

Ryan Funeral Home

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625