Jacqueline Lee Hooker Swartz, 82, of South Burlington, Vt., passed away on June 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and a beautiful thunderstorm, two of her favorite things. A mom to three, stepmom to four, Mimi to 10, and nurse to countless patients and families, Jackie led with her heart, living a life of compassion, giving and pride in all those whose lives she touched.
Jackie was born in Barre, Vt., to John and Jeanette Hooker, graduating from Spaulding High School and the Mary Fletcher School of Nursing. She began her nursing career on the pediatrics floor at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont, now the University of Vermont Medical Center, and then spent decades at Pediatric Medicine in South Burlington. When the Vermont Pediatric Pulmonary Center opened, she partnered with Dr. Donald Swartz to build a compassionate, research-oriented cystic fibrosis practice where patients and families found both treatment … and hope.
In 1996, Don and Jackie were wed in a tiny church on the rocky shores of Maine, and for 30 years they crafted a love story neither of them had dared imagine — one based in trust, faith and endless trips to the ocean. Their door was always open, and chocolate milk and Girl Scout cookies were always stocked.
Jackie leaves behind her devoted husband, Donald Swartz; children, Laurel (Belanger) Warren and husband Timothy, Mark Belanger and wife Amy, and Christopher Belanger; stepchildren, Kathryn Roosa, Bill Swartz and partner Carol, Cynthia Swartz, and Lynn (Swartz) Murphy and husband Patrick; grandchildren Ainsley, Audrey and Sophie Warren, Kaeleigh and Conri Belanger, Jillian and Alice Belanger, and Eamon, Kate (Winston) and Daelan Roosa; brother, John Hooker, and wife Cynthia; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Judy; and her grandchildren Joshua and Adriana Warren.
This article appears in June 24 • 2026.
Jackie, thank you for taking care of me through some of the tough times in my my life. Your listening, understanding and compassionate heart comforted me. You were a wonderful person, and a wonderful caring nurse. My condolences go out to Dr. Swartz, your family, friends, and all who love you. You will always be remembered, and in the hearts of so many.
Just seeing this obituary today. Jackie, I knew you first as my dear neighbor in Milton in 1978 [ saw you so many mornings at the bus stop], then as a colleague for many years at Pediatric Medicine 1983 era, and then as a colleague at UVMMC. You and your kids were so sweet to my twins in the 1980s…and your daughter Laurel was a stellar babysitter!
Hoping that the most joyful memories buoy your spirits in this time /season of loss. Jackie was an amazing human and a compassionate giver all the years I knew her.
Don, I know the magic and love you two shared transcends time and space and I hope that is a comfort.
Sending gratitude and joy to all of Jackies loved ones….her life was a blessing and a comfort to so many….she will be missed.