Jacqueline S. Fineblit

Jacqueline Sylvia (Cross) Fineblit, scholar, businesswoman, volunteer, wife, mother and grandmother, formerly of Manchester, NH and currently living in Boynton Beach, FL. died on January 19, 2021 at the age of 94. In Hebrew scripture Jackie would be considered "Eshet Chayil", a woman of worth, valour and strength.

A graduate of Simmons College at age 20, Jackie was a lifelong learner, astute businessperson and active volunteer for organizations in both NH and Florida. A skilled writer, editor and public relations professional, she utilized these skills professionally at the fledgling WMUR-TV station, the local AAA and ultimately, as co-owner and partner with her husband Lionel, in the family-owned business, Pearson's Jewelry.

Married to her husband Lionel in August, 1945 during the final days of WWII, Jackie and Lionel enjoyed 61 years together as partners in business and in life until his death in 2006. Balancing her work, family and community activities, she raised three children, graduated from the Gemological Institute of America, accredited as a registered jeweler and volunteered her skills to a number of local non-profits including the early days of the Jewish Community Center Nursery School, the NH League of Women Voters, Manchester Garden Club and Child and Family Services Manchester Regional Office Board of Directors.

Upon retirement, she and Lionel moved to Florida to be closer to her parents. She continued to take courses in graphic design, photography and computer literacy. Together they traveled extensively but always came home to NH in the summer to spend time with their children and grandchildren.

Following the death of her father, Jackie discovered some papers in his home that seemed to have historical significance and embarked on her last great research activity. She joined the Jewish Genealogical Society of Palm Beach County, volunteering as a researcher in their library at Florida Atlantic University and spent the next 20 years researching and documenting all four branches of her family's history amassing volumes of data going back multiple generations. At the same time, she utilized her editing, writing, publishing and graphic arts skills as Publicity Director for the organization. In February 2017, the Society honored Jackie at a special luncheon "Honoring Four Women at the Crossroads of 90" with keynote speaker Chuck Todd presenting her with a special award for her decades of service to the group.

Her family: daughter Ruth and her husband Jay Zax, son David and his wife Susan Fineblit, daughter Judith Anderson and former son-in-law Arthur, grandchildren, Amy (Zax) and her husband Ray Guimond and Evan Fineblit, niece, nephew and cousins celebrate her long, productive and fulfilling life.

There will be a private graveside service at Manchester Hebrew Cemetery.

Donations in her memory may be made to Jewish Genealogical Society of Palm Beach County, Inc, PO Box 7796, Delray Beach, FL 33482-7796 (www.jgspalmbeachcounty.org) or the adoption program at Waypoint (formerly Child and Family Services of NH), PO Box 448, Manchester, NH 03105. (www.waypointnh.org), or the charity of one's choice.

Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester is assisting the family with arrangements.