Jacqueline Ertischek

Oct 6, 1948 -

Jan 6, 2023

Jacqueline Ertischek, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, died on Jan. 6, 2023, in her home in Anchorage, Alaska. Jackie was born on Oct. 6, 1948, to Rhoda and Norman Dym in Brooklyn, N.Y.

As a child the family moved to Franklin Square, Long Island, N.Y. Jackie and her soulmate Mark met as children; they married in 1968, while she was attending Boston University School of Fine Arts. Jackie and Mark had three children: Joshua, Benjamin and Nicole.

In 1974, the family moved to Juneau, Alaska, where Jackie started her career as a high school counselor. After moving to Anchorage in 1975, Jackie continued her work as a guidance counselor for the Anchorage School District. During her 15 years as an educator, Jackie worked primarily as an Indian Education Counselor. She was an integral part of the community. Her former students remember her fondly for the dedication, love, respect and support she showed them.

After retiring from the school district, Jacqueline started her second career as an artist. This is when she began being known as "Jacqui." Starting as a hobby she created pins and other jewelry out of clay. This hobby quickly became "Jacqui's Originals," a jewelry line that was sold in stores throughout the United States.

In 2007, Mark Ertischek, her husband of 39 years, passed away. Through her grief, Jackie focused her attention on starting a new business, 2Friends Gallery. As a small business owner she supported nonprofit organizations throughout Anchorage. She mentored new small business owners and was a close friend to all who worked and shopped at the gallery.

Through it all Jackie believed that her most important job and greatest joy was her family. She was dedicated to her children and worked to make sure that they all felt valued, loved and supported. She is survived by her children, Brian and Nicole Sommerville, Joshua and Aimee Ertischek, Benjamin and Kristen Ertischek; brother, Barry Dym; as well as her eight grandchildren, Bailey, Sam, Anna, Madeline, Jordan, Julia, Ella and Louisa.

She was a role model for her family and community and she will be missed. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, at Congregation Beth Sholom in Anchorage. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Cancer Society or Providence Hospice in her honor.