Obituary of Jacqualyne Gurk

Jacqualyne Gurk May 4, 1923 June 30, 2009 Jacqualyne "Jackie" "Muzzie" Gurk, 86, of Niles, passed away at West Woods Nursing Home in Niles on Tuesday, June 30, 2009. Jacqualyne was born on May 4, 1923 to the late Daniel and Madge O'Gallagher in Waukegan, Illinois. She was raised by her foster parents Howard and Helen Redding. Jackie had raised her 4 wonderful children while also fostering many other children in the area. She also ran O'Gallagher's Answering Exchange from 1966 until 1992. At the answering service they answered phones for nearly every doctor in town, National Standard, City of Niles, Howard Township Fire Department, Ready Theater, Pifer-Smith Funeral Home and the gas company along with many others. She had over 85 lines coming in to the house and always kept on top of things. After the answering service closed in 1992 she worked full time at Lakeland Hospital in Niles as an operator and part time at Pifer-Smith Funeral Home until she fully retired at the age of 81. Before owning and operating the answering service she worked part time at Club 66 and then at Electro-voice in Buchanan for about 20 years. Jackie was always active and could not sit still even in her old age. She golfed anywhere she could with anyone that wanted to until she was 83 years old. She was on a golf league at Brookwood, an avid Notre Dame fan, past member of the Sweet Adeline's, volunteer at Lakeland Hospital, member of the PTA, catechism teacher and served as a host family for exchange students. Needless to say, Jackie could never sit idle and watch the world pass; she was always involved and loved every moment of it. She is preceded in death by her parents, foster parents, brother Daniel O'Gallagher,a granddaughter, Dawn Miltenberger, a brother, Edward O'Gallagher, a sister Margaret O'Gallagher, foster brother Harold "Hal" Redding and son-in-law Charles Richer. Jackie is survived by her children Peggy Richer of Niles, Michigan, Ronald Gurk of South Bend, Indiana, Rodger (Jackie) Gurk of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Danean "Dee" (Andy) Catey of Angola, Indiana and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and foster sister Harriet "Sissy" Terhaar of St. Cloud, Minnesota. A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at Brown Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial taking place at Brown Funeral Home at 11 am on Friday, July 3, 2009 with Father William Melody C.S.C. will be officiating. A private burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Niles.