Jacqueline Comstock was born Jacqueline Mary Byrnes on February 16, 1933, in Colchester, Vt., to parents William and Ruth (Thompson) Byrne.
She attended elementary school in Winooski, Vt., and junior high at Edmunds in Burlington, Vt., and graduated from Burlington High School, class of 1950. She married Gordon Sutton Comstock on May 16, 1953.
She worked as a secretary for the Vermont Department of Social Welfare in Burlington. After the death of her husband in 1968, she went to work for a short time at the University of Vermont Agronomy Department. Jacqueline dedicated the remainder of her career to working for the Burlington School Department as an administrative assistant for the maintenance department for 27 years prior to her retirement in 1995. Jacqueline also held several part-time positions and volunteered at Sears, local hospitals, Flynn Theater, Ethen Allen Homestead, Habitat for Humanity and Scouts, and she was also involved in the PTA.
She was an active member for 75 years at the First Congregational Church in Burlington. She worked on various committees, including Deacons, taught Sunday school, was a Possibility Shop volunteer, sang in the choir and played handbells. While residing in Florida, she attended the Community United Methodist Church in Debary.
She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Gordon; infant daughter Deborah Ruth; sister, Gloria Collins; brother-in-law, Paul Collins; and her beloved (guardian) Esther Thompson.
She is survived by her son Jeffrey and wife Nancy of Burlington; daughter Judith Chagnon and husband Randy of Swanton, Vt.; daughter Jennifer Coleman of Williston, Vt.; son James and wife Nancy of Largo, Fla.; two granddaughters, Amber Comstock and partner Kevin Weeks of Fairfax, Vt., and Tempe Robins and husband Dylan of Cave Creek, Ariz.; great-grandchildren, Lila and Finn Robins, Noah Weeks, and Stevilynn Young; and several nieces and nephews.
Affectionately known as Jackie or Mrs. C., Jacqueline made the Comstock house a welcoming place for all generations of kids in the neighborhood, as well as kids from outside the “Five Sisters” neighborhood. A large part of growing up for everyone was being able to hang out on the front porch or in the garage or yard. Her home was a comfortable place for all to congregate, as her doors were always open. A majority of the kids spent more time at the Comstock house than their own. Some even did household chores or just stopped by and helped themselves to snacks, lunch or dinner. Mrs. C always welcomed everyone generously with an open heart and a kind soul. She was a role model for goodness and patience and was truly loved by everyone.
Amber, thank you for your loving and committed devotion to Gram/Mom and all of us. Words can never express how much it means to us. During Gram’s/Mom’s final journey, you provided such compassion, knowledge and loving support to us all. The meaningful moments will never be forgotten, as you prepared us as a family for her final days here on Earth. For that we are forever grateful for you.
Interment will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 10 a.m., at the Lakeview Cemetery, located on North Avenue in Burlington, Vt. A memorial service will be held the same day at 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, located at 38 South Winooski Ave. in Burlington, with a reception immediately following in the church chapel.
This article appears in The Food Issue 2025.