Jacquelyn Sheehan Schultz was born in Burlington, Vt., on August 25, 1938, to Helen Kuehn Sheehan and John “Jack” Sheehan. She died on August 27, 2026, at the Converse Home in Burlington, Vt.
Jackie’s grandparents, Charles and Theresa Kuehn, helped raise her. She attended Burlington public schools through sixth grade, then Rock Point School for Girls for seventh through 12th grades. She received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Vermont.
Jackie was married for 40 years to Harold Schultz. Harold was a widower at the time of their marriage and father of two children, Jonathan Abbett (Jon) and Judith Ann (Judy). Jackie and Harold then had two additional daughters, Kathryn Elizabeth (Katy) and Suzanne (Suzy/Sue.)
The family’s greatest shared adventure was living in Kampala, Uganda, for a year, 1967 to 1968, where Harold was a visiting professor at Makerere University.
Highlights of Jackie’s career life were starting a library at Ira Allen Elementary School; serving as a librarian and teaching English at Burlington High School; and, for a time, serving as president of the Burlington teacher’s union.
Jackie’s retirement years were filled with community service and creativity. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was active in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Colchester, along with various other community groups. She was an avid reader, talented gardener, award-winning flower arranger and creative cook. She loved dogs, decorating and playing the dulcimer.
Jackie made friends wherever she went and loved to laugh. She brought a sparkle to any room with her zest for life and adventuresome spirit.
Jackie is survived by Jonathan Schultz of Johnson; Judy Schultz and her husband, Ray Solomon, of Burlington; Suzanne Schultz Sakai of Monterey, Calif., and her former husband, Eric Sakai, of Randolph; three granddaughters and their husbands, Sarah Solomon and Reade Everett, Reiko Sakai and Ian McDaniels, and Tessie Sakai and Phil Smith; four great grandchildren; beloved nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. She was predeceased by Harold; Katy; her brother, Donald Sheehan; and sister-in-law, Norma Sheehan.
The family extends our deepest gratitude to the staff of the Converse Home, and in particular the Gardenview memory care unit, for the outstanding care they provided to Jackie for the past three years. We also thank the Bayada hospice staff for all their support during the final weeks of her life.
The family is planning a memorial service for a future date. Donations in Jackie’s memory can be made online to the Burlington Meals on Wheels program of Age Well by going to agewellvt.org.