Jacqueline D. Kegel, 78

November 03, 2017

Jacqueline D. “Jackie” Kegel, 78 of Ruoff Towers, Lancaster, PA passed away on Friday, November 3rd, 2017, unexpectedly, after becoming ill from a brief medical procedure that was a result of Jackie’s yearlong courageous battle with cancer. Jackie passed away peacefully with her son and former daughter in-law, Shirl Loeffler, bedside holding her hands at Select Specialty Hospital, Harrisburg.
Born in Lancaster, PA, Jackie was the wife of the late James L. Kegel who preceded her in death in 1983. Jackie was the daughter of the late Richard and Dorothy (Bleacher) Loeffler.
Jackie previously worked at Victor Weavers of New Holland and Dart Container of Leola prior to becoming self-employed. Jackie also was her mother’s caregiver who became confined to a wheel chair from a stroke. She never complained about the daily routine of care, but instead enjoyed the time she had with her mother and the satisfaction of seeing that smile on her mother’s face knowing she wasn’t going to a nursing home as long as Jackie was alive.
In her earlier days, Jackie was an avid fisherman and crabber who would go up and down the east coast with her husband Jim looking for the next big catch and cooking everything they caught for their next meal. In addition, her husband Jim loved to hunt so again everything that was taken from the wilderness ended up on the family kitchen table from rabbit, squirrel to deer, much to the displeasure of her son.
Jackie looked forward to her weekends at Craft Haven which is on the Northern part of the Bay. She loved being there with her companion Whitey, Mother, son and grandson (Dougie) and especially her friends who became friends for life. Also, she loved the earlier years of family vacations with her sister Barb and her family, she often referred to them as the “The Good old days”.
In her later years, Jackie loved to play 500 rummy which she taught (Dougie) to play at a young age of 6. She played bingo, shuffleboard and participated in arts and crafts. Lastly, Jackie enjoyed her casinos and was fortunate to do some traveling. Jackie was a member of the AmVets Ladies Auxiliary Post #19.
Jackie is survived by her son, Craig L. Loeffler, of Lancaster, Douglas James Loeffler (Dougie) her only grandson, husband of Brittany (Bear) Loeffler, three sisters, Wanda, wife of Gary Duncan, of Lancaster, Dorothea, wife of the late Elvin Arment, of Ephrata, Sandra Branner, of Mt. Joy, and a brother Michael, husband of Karen Branner and her former daughter in law, Shirl Loeffler. Jackie was preceded in death by two sisters, Patricia Shaeffer, Barbara Weaver formally (Witmer) and a twin brother Jack Loeffler.
Craig would like to take this opportunity to thank every single person who helped his mother over the years and especially to those friends for life. To all the staff at Hershey Medical Center, Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, but especially to all the volunteers, what a group of amazing people, just amazing. Lastly, to the nurses of the 5th floor of Select Specialty Hospital, a very special group of dedicated professionals for patient care.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jacqueline’s Life Celebration Funeral Service being held at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home 414 E. King St. Lancaster, PA 17602 Sunday, November 12, 2017 at 3PM. The family will receive guests at Jackie’s viewing on Sunday from 1PM-3PM at Snyder’s. Interment will be in Conestoga Memorial Park on Monday, November 13th at 11AM. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Humane League of Lancaster, 2195 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, Pa 17602.