Jacqueline J. Fazekas

Jacqueline Jean Fazekas (nee Socha) died on January 20, 2026, after a brief illness. Born in Lorain, Ohio, on October 30, 1942, Jackie spent most of her adult life in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Jackie’s passions included the John Ball Zoo, musical theater, travel, baseball, cats, and mahjongg. Jackie will be posthumously awarded the Life Achievement Award for 40 years (13,224+ hours) of volunteer service to the Zoo. She was more than a docent or volunteer; she was an ambassador for the Zoo. Patrons often looked for “Miss Jackie” when they visited the Zoo.

Jackie traveled to London, New York, Toronto, and other venues to enjoy Broadway musicals; foremost being “Cats.” She most recently saw the Western Michigan University student production of “Cats,” which she reported was her 26th viewing of the musical. Jackie’s travels were often zoo-focused, experiencing zoos all across the country and internationally in China and Kenya, both by herself and with other zoo enthusiasts.

Jackie was politically active in the 1970s and 1980s, assisting in local congressional and national presidential campaigns.

Detroit Tiger baseball and West Michigan Whitecaps were her sporting interests. Jackie forged lifelong friendships seated in her same seats at LMCU ballpark. Jackie shared the Tigers’ ALCS and World Series attendance with special friends, creating unforgettable baseball memories. She also visited baseball museums and a major league ballpark’s. Jackie’s favorite players were immortalized as passwords and cat names.

Life with Jackie included cats, cats, and more cats. Always willing to home a cat when a kitty needed a new residence. Fine art for her home décor only counted when it included a feline.

Jackie spent 46 years as an exceptional legal secretary and assistant to senior partners and associates at Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett in Grand Rapids. She forged enduring friendships and respect during her working years.

Jackie is survived by a large extended family and innumerable friends. She cared for others, whether it was babysitting, assisting home-bound friends, or spending time as a compassionate companion. She lived her faith through her life and her life to its fullest.

A Celebration of Life and luncheon will be held on April 29, 2026, 11:30 a.m., in the John Ball Zoo Savannah Room of the Administration Building.

In lieu of flowers, cash donations will be received to fund a Volunteer Recognition Board in Jackie’s honor.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jacqueline J. Fazekas, please visit our floral store.