Jacquelyn Faye Steward

Jacquelyn Faye Steward 71, of Terre Haute, passed away on Thursday February 6, 2025 Jackie was born on November 29, 1953 to father Ernest Steward and mother Madonna (Jackson) Steward. She was an only child, who was showered with love and devotion by both parents. At the age of three years old she started dance classes at Nancy Saurer’s School of Theatrical Dance. When asked what were her happiest childhood memories the answer was quick. It was her time at the studio with her mentor Nancy Saurer and her dancemates. She studied under Nancy for fifteen years and later taught classes until 1990. Our Mom will be thrilled when she sees Nancy waiting to greet her with toe shoes in hand. Jackie graduated from Gerstmeyer Highschool in 1971. She was a sweet and popular girl’s girl. She was a sophomore homecoming attendant, student council secretary, and a Varsity cheerleader. I remember sitting on her lap as a boy while she leafed through yellowed yearbooks and sharing memories of football victories, heartbreaking basketball losses, and cheering until she lost her voice while doing arial cartwheels. She was the mother of two children Chris and Holly. She sometimes struggled as a mother, just as all mothers do. What was exceptional of our mother was that she always made sure her children were seen, heard, and the best dressed. She instilled in us that our voices and our point of view mattered. She was always a mother who believed in love,kindness, and offering the benefit of the doubt. She believed in “ After all..tomorrow is another day.” And I as her son I believe in that as well. What would matter to our mother most was her achievement as a Nana to her three Grandchildren Sarah, Logan , and Gavin. She was the epitome of a “Doting Nana “. She loved them fiercely and made sure she showed up for them at any moment. They wanted or longed for nothing. Her Granddaughter , Sarah got her first cell phone, a Motorola Razr, at the age of seven..I think? My sister and I always made sure to jokingly reminder her “ You never spoiled us like that , Mom!” and Mom would laugh and shrug it off. Her grandchildren know what a “Nana’s Love” is. She should be very proud of herself for being a loving Nana. Holly and I want her to know that. Perhaps the only regret is that she did not have enough time to shower that love to her two great grandchildren Caysen , Addi , a great grandson who is on his way. We know that legacy of love will be passed on to them through her Grandchildren and the children after them. Lastly, our mother was a loving parent to her mini Dachshund,Savannah. She loved telling the story of how Savannah was rescued . The little dog was on her way to the shelter because a Grey Hound bus driver would not allow Savannah’s admittance on the bus. It was serendipitous that Savannah ended up with her. Mom always said “Savannah wasn’t rescued…she rescued me”. That little dog who is now fourteen never left her side and knew she was loved beyond measure. That was our mother. A daughter, a dancer, a girl’s girl, a loving mother, a devoted Nana, and an unconditional loving mother to a grateful fur baby. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring. In lieu of flowers or cards please make a donation in her name to the Terre Haute Humane Society or Nancy Sauer School of Dance in care of Wendy Personette I refuse to say Goodbye. My grief is too profound and yet my heart is full of love. I kissed her and whispered “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” ..the words she sang to me as she sung me to sleep as a boy. Mom , Dance Now in the heaven’s, your whole Again . A special thank you to West Minister health Center and staff ,And Steve and Neva McFarland. ◦

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