Jacqueline M. Gianakos

Jacqueline M. Gianakos

May 22, 1952 – April 21, 2026

Jacqueline “Jackie” Gianakos, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, passed peacefully on April 21, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital. Over the days leading up to her last, she was surrounded by the love of her family; the thing that mattered most. Her final moments were peaceful, as she listened to updates about all of her grandchildren, and held her son’s hands while taking her final breath.

Jackie was born Jacqueline Jensen on May 22, 1952, in Queens, New York, to Mary Danek and John Jensen. After the loss of her father at a young age, Jackie was raised by her family alongside her brother Walter. They did the best they could and although her early years were marked by hardship, they shaped the deep sense of resilience and unwavering commitment to family that would define her life.

Known to all who loved her as “Jackie,” she dreamed early on of a life of service, first wanting to be a nun, then a nurse, and ultimately finding her calling as a teacher.

On November 16, 1974, Jackie married her high school sweetheart, Bill Gianakos. Jackie would go on to be known as the ‘Queen Bee’, and Bill, her most loyal soldier. Together, they went to college, they began a shared life, and built a strong and loving partnership. As Jackie’s own family circle grew smaller over time, Bill’s family became fully her own. Michael and Mary were her parents. Janet and Donna were her sisters. George and Chris, her brothers. Their love created a home centered on connection, loyalty, and care. We just called ourselves “the family”.

Jackie and Bill welcomed their daughter Michelle in 1977 and their son Michael in 1980. And the Family raised them. Sleepovers at the Kelly’s, road trips with the Thomas’s, holidays with the Pappas’s. Jackie’s dream was happening in real time; a wide net of love that hugged everyone.

When Mike met Leah, and Michelle met Frank, Jackie saw them as two more of her children. The family grows. She became a proud and devoted grandmother to her five “angels”: Kiana, Camden, Kadon, Gabriella, and Kendrix. She adored them deeply and took immense joy in being part of their lives. Having grown up with very little, Jackie made it her mission to ensure her children and grandchildren had everything they needed, including unconditional love.

Everyone has a “Jackie story “. Which often centered around someone’s toughest moment, and how Jackie was there, never letting go. She was the kind of person everyone turned to, a steady presence in moments of uncertainty, always ready to offer guidance, compassion, and, when needed, her signature honest advice. Jackie told you what you needed to hear, but always with love and intention.

As hard as this may feel now, we celebrate Jackie’s life and the impact she had on all of us. Know that she’ll be with you, especially in your hardest moments. Only fitting that the woman who loved angels would become one, for all of us.

Jackie returns home, joining her parents, Walter, Richard, Michael, Mary, Janet, John, and Toula. Just imagine the Bariba card game going on up there right now.

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In lieu of flowers, we welcome you to honor Jackie’s love of education and make a donation to St. Sebastian Catholic Academy. The school that her daughter Michelle has worked at for 26 years, the last 7 as principal.

Venmo: @SSCA11377

Zelle: staff@stsebastianacademy.org

Checks made to

St. Sebastian Catholic Academy

3976 58th street

Woodside N.Y. 11377