Obituary of Jacqueline McAndrew
Jacqueline McAndrew died peacefully in Newmarket, Ontario, on March 10, 2021.
Born in Simla, India, in 1937, Jackie was the younger daughter of Hilda and Dr. James E. Garson. Jackie held many special memories of her childhood in south Asia, from elephants toppling massive trees for construction of a new building at one medical camp in India’s north-east, to bracelets won and carefully preserved from a winning costume or dance at the YMCA. The family left India aboard SS Atlantis in 1948 en route to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where they established a new home on Mulvey Street. Jackie graduated with honours from United College Collegiate in 1955, and later United College itself. She studied English and archaeology, and retained her fascination with both all her life; a bust of Ancient Egyptian Queen Nefertiti always held a prominent place in Jackie’s home alongside the many books that she so loved. She was an avid reader of many genres, and appreciated a well-turned phrase and apt choice of words. Jackie devoured British historical fiction as well as contemporary mysteries and fantasy. She eventually chose the latter for her own novel, A Faery Story, published in 2009.
Jackie met her husband and best friend Hugh McAndrew in Toronto, where she spent most of her adult life working as a typist, a project manager and later, a graphic artist. In 1961, the couple celebrated a December wedding at Winnipeg’s St. Mary’s Cathedral, then alternated among bustling 1960s Toronto, where Hugh performed as a musician, the pastoral hills and rocky shores of the Isle of Man, and Hugh’s hometown of Southport in northern England, where they haunted antique stores. Jackie and Hugh parted ways in 1982, but remained close friends all their lives. Jackie later enjoyed many years of companionship with Andy Walters.
Jackie lived life on her own terms and always with a smile on her face. She could be counted on as a capable and willing partner in any adventure, spontaneous or other - from the challenge of the bass guitar taken up to run with Hugh and his pals, to a clandestine quest for French pastries in Boulogne, France, and the ups and downs of teaching her teenage niece to drive - Jackie did it all with laughter and style. Driving was a recurring theme. In Toronto she would bomb along the 401 in her red Austin Mini, often late for some occasion or other, including her brother’s wedding. Jackie fearlessly piloted a British rental car (right-hand drive, if you please) around Europe, dashing to the Dover Ferry through torrential rain and a fierce gale, navigating twice around the Arc de Triomphe in the crush of rush hour, and scooting up and down the treacherously twisting mountain passes of Switzerland. She was a determined supporter of those she loved, and (despite her passion for the colour lime green), a raucous fan of the Toronto Blue Jays. Jackie yearned to see her team win a third World Series, and will no doubt be continuing to keep close track of future prospects, trades, wins and losses.
Jackie is survived by her sister, Barbara Stevens, sister-in-law Joan Garson, beloved nieces and nephews and their spouses: Kent Stevens, April Stevens and David Wells, Scott Garson (Kathy), and Andrea Garson (John Mikulich), great-nephews Carter Stevens, Julian Wells, Alexander and Benjamin Garson, and great-nieces Olivia and Abigail Garson-Mikulich. Jackie was predeceased by her ex-husband Hugh McAndrew, partner Andy Walters, brother David Garson, and brother-in-law Fred Stevens.
Jackie and her family wish to thank Dr. Craig Kung who unfailingly offered thoughtful input and a supportive ear; every one of the warm and compassionate staff and volunteers at the welcoming Margaret Bahen Hospice; the helpful and caring nurses at the Stronach Cancer Centre; and the kind staff on the 4th floor of The Elden of Bradford.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Margaret Bahen Hospice in Newmarket.