Obituary of Jacqueline Mary Nadeau
Jacqueline Mary Hehl was born in Monroe, Michigan on July 11, 1946. She was one of two children born from the union of her parents, Arnold Walter Hehl and Goldie Mae (Gerber) Hehl Schmidt. As a young girl, Jackie was a competitive dancer, specializing in tap. She graduated from Erie Mason High School with the Class of 1964.
Jackie married the love of her life, James Lee Nadeau at St. Mary Parish in Monroe on March 26, 1966. The couple was blessed with two daughters: Jeanette and Jodi. A lifelong LaSalle Township resident, Jackie and Jim raised their girls in the same home where she grew up.
During her life, Jackie was employed by Sears Roebuck and Company in the catalog sales department. She later took a role with Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle where she worked in a secretarial role for more than a dozen years. After leaving Roselawn, Jackie took a position with Big Brothers Big Sisters where she served as the secretary for several years before retiring.
Jackie and Jim loved spending time together and had a very special relationship in their 57 years of marriage. They often took short road trips, with Traverse City and Shipshewana being favorite destinations. Along the way, they enjoyed visiting casinos and various antique shops.
Jackie and Jim also had a passion for classic cars. They loved attending car cruises and spent many weekends at car shows. In 1973, they purchased a 1957 Ford Fairlane that they restored. Their diligent work won them many plaques and awards at car shows for years to come. They were former members of the Point Place Placers Car Club.
For many years, the couple was also active in a bowling league at the Monroe Sports Center. Jackie served as secretary while Jim was president. She enjoyed spending time in her yard tending to her flowers. She cherished the time she spent with her family and was an avid cat lover.
Jacqueline Mary Nadeau, age 76, of LaSalle passed away unexpectedly at 9:00pm on Thursday; June 15, 2023, at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio. Her passing was preceded by her parents.
To cherish her memory, Jackie leaves her beloved husband of fifty-seven years: James Lee Nadeau of LaSalle; two devoted daughters: Jeanette Nadeau of Temperance and Jodi Nadeau of Perrysburg, Ohio; a brother: Larry (Delores) Hehl of Greenwood, South Carolina; and two nieces: Leigh Ann Smith and Christine Templeton.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Thursday; June 22, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will be held at 11:00am on Friday; June 23, 2023, also at Merkle’s. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.
Memorials in her honor are suggested to the Humane Society of Monroe County. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.