K-280-6

Obituary

Jacqueline Joan "Jackie" Murphy Samarin
December 10, 1937 - November 28, 2016

Jacqueline Joan "Jackie" Murphy Samarin, 78, lost her struggle with cancer November 28, 2016, at home in Bakersfield, California, where she was lovingly attended by husband Paul and granddaughter Jennifer. She was born on December 10, 1937, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to John Douglas and Ruby Sonora (Callaway) Murphy.

Jackie is survived by husband Paul, son Robert Douglas Lawson, daughter Rhonda Darlene Lawson, sisters Katrina and Emily Murphy; grandchildren Jennifer Elise Milroy, Sara Milroy Sharp, Katie Loren Milroy, Dalton Wade Lawson, and Nicolette Ruth Lawson; great-grandchildren Jaden Daniel Crawford, Ryder Allen Curtis, and Sebastian Bradley Sharp; and through her marriage step-daughter Paula Samarin Nelson, grandchildren Haylie Jean Nelson and Devin Paul Nelson. Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, her baby daughter Theresa Lawson, and her brother William John Murphy.

Jackie was a bonny child of proud Irish heritage from the Midwest with a smile that lit up her face, a great sense of humor, and a contagious laugh. She was 11 when her brother John was born, and they always had a special bond. Sister Katrina was born 2 years later, and she remember Jackie made the best Hungarian goulash. Fifteen months later Emily was born, and she remembers trendy big sister Jackie with her pastel pink toenails and musical laughter.

Jackie developed a lifelong love for animals, caring well for her pets including birds; she always loved watching the birds. Throughout her life she was a loyal contributor to the humane society, and she rescued animals herself.

She was thoughtful and appreciated her friends, sending birthday cards, buying gifts, making others feel special and important. Her southern heritage showed in her hospitality, especially at Thanksgiving, always welcoming more to the table. She was too feisty and stubborn to shy away from modern technology and would text and watch YouTube videos on her smartphone.

Jackie worked as a dental assistant for 27 years. In the mid 1970s she worked in a jewelry store in Ventura, California, when she met Paul, her husband of 27 years. They moved to Bakersfield and she worked as office manager in Paul's auto engine repair business. Her organizational skills allowed them to retire and enjoy the fruits of their hard work. Working together gave them a union and a love that grew stronger as the years passed, and they grew old together with grace; they made a great team.

She was a very active member of her church, and those at her memorial service who warmly expressed their memories showed that Jackie left this world knowing she was loved by many friends and family. The memorial service, officiated by Pastor Eddie Summers, was held December 6, 2016, at Grace Assembly of God Church, Bakersfield, California. Jackie is buried at Shafter Cemetery, 18662 Santa Fe Way, Shafter, California.

There is an emptiness in the neighborhood; she is missed. Be comforted knowing that Jackie no longer suffers; she is at peace now and forever.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Published in Bakersfield Californian on Aug. 16, 2017.