Obituary of Jean Dorothy McGackin

Jean Dorothy McGackin, 77, passed away at home on January 30, 2023. She was born on June 15, 1946 in Livingston, New Jersey, the daughter of Pierce and Henrietta Earp. After graduating from Henry Hudson High School, Jean attended beauty school and worked as a hairstylist before meeting her devoted husband, William McGackin whom she was married to for fifty-four years. Along with working as a Service Center Clerk for New Jersey Bell (later to become Verizon), Jean served as the bookkeeper for Bill’s pizza shops keeping not only the money but also Bill in line. Seven years ago Jean received devastating news-a pancreatic cancer diagnosis and was given six months to two years left to live. Because of Jean’s will, attitude, and good old stubbornness, she surpassed the diagnosis and amazed not just her doctors but her family as well. Her willpower to live allowed her to be there for her husband till his death, witness her children's accomplishments, and watch her grandchildren grow up. She was always proud of her kids and loved to share any good news with the people she kept close. Growing up with Jean as a mother meant waking up to singing, cleaning windows, and taking trips to Johnnie Irons for candy. Jean outdid herself during the holidays. She always sewed the best homemade Halloween costumes for her children and grandchildren. Store bought costumes were never good enough. Jean’s Christmas Eve parties were filled with childhood friends who were considered family and a visit from Santa. Christmas consisted of the perfect tree and piles and piles of presents on Christmas morning. She was thoughtful and always managed to buy the perfect gift you didn’t know you needed until you opened it. Jean had a group of close, lifelong childhood friends. Holding them close over a lifetime is something to admire and something she taught others. Her friends, whom she cherished and appreciated very much, were family, confidantes, and tight until the end. She will be missed by her family and all those whose life she touched. Jean was predeceased by her parents Pierce and Henrietta Earp; her husband, William McGackin; sister, Judy Durman; and brother, Charles Earp, brothers-in-law Jack McGackin, Dennis McGackin and George Maury. Surviving are her four children and spouses, Jennifer and Joel Miller, Brian and Carolyn McGackin, Darrin and Melanie McGackin and Dana and Jeff Turner; sisters-in-law, brothers-in law and their spouses, Patricia Gail and Lester Preston, Richard and Eileen McGackin, Gerald McGackin and Joan Peterson Ayers; Kathy McGackin and Jane McGackin-Maury and Stella Earp; and nine grandchildren, Tyler, Mackenzie, Logan, Kendal, Christopher, Julia, Jake, Riley, and Colten; as well as many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Sunday, February 5, from 4-7 at Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold on Monday, February 6, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations man be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.