Obituary of Jacqueline Paulette Nerney

Jacqueline Paulette DeRaps Nerney lost her battle with cancer at the age of 60 March 2, 2011 surrounded by family at the home of her eldest daughter in Wilton, Maine. Thanks to her dedicated Beacon Hospice nurse, Glenna Barden, and aide, Lynn Oliver, she was kept comfortable and free of pain in her final days. Jacqueline, known as Jackie to family and friends, was born June 6, 1950 to parents Rita Knockwood DeRaps and Joseph Phillip DeRaps, both predeceased. She grew up in the town of Rangeley, Maine with her four siblings: Carmen Hooke, Michelle Pinkham (predeceased), Yvonne Moore, and Michael DeRaps. During the summers, the family would travel with the carnival, allowing Jacqueline to visit many of the national parks and attractions along the way. She even recalls selling tickets to the late Jackie Kennedy Onassis when she brought her children to the carnival in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Jacqueline graduated from Rangeley Lakes High School captain of the cheerleading squad before attending one year of college at the University of Maine at Orono. Adventure beckoning, she then set off for San Francisco on a cross-country move that allowed her the chance to really see the United States. Upon returning to the east coast, she married Stephen Bruso and gave birth to her first child, Travis DeRaps of Strong, Maine. She later married Thomas Michael Nerney III who had two sons of his own, Michael and Matthew Nerney, both currently residing in upstate New York. Together Thomas and Jacqueline had two daughters, Margaret and Katherine Nerney, both of Wilton, Maine. Anyone who knew Jackie knew that she adored her granddaughter Sophia Fahnley, whom she became a second parent to. Over the past year, she was also proud to be blessed with a grandson Alex Folsom, and step-granddaughter Mariya Folsom. Jacqueline truly lived for her family and their happiness. Throughout her lifetime Jacqueline demonstrated many endearing qualities and talents. She had an eye for design, which was evident in her charming home decor. She created magnificent stained glass pieces and enjoyed the art of tole painting, both of which now adorn the walls and windows of her family and friend’s homes. She also had a marvelous green thumb, which was lucky considering her love of flowers and gardening. But Jackie is best known for her gift of compassion. She would always look out for the under-dog in any situation and gave anything and everything she had to help those in need. We used to tease her that “to know her is to love her” because she had that magnetic personality and nurturing way that drew others to her. A Native American service is being planned in her honor for the weekend before her 61st birthday in June. It will be held at her sister Yvonne Moore’s home on Haley Pond in Rangeley, Maine. There, her ashes will be laid to rest in a memorial bench donated by her friend Steve Brewer. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Beacon Hospice, Inc.’s Lighthouse Fund (207-621-1212). For more information regarding the exact time and date of her service, please contact her family directly or check her Facebook page. We, the family, invite you to post your pictures and memories of her there to celebrate her life and friendships. On-line condolences may be offered at www.directcremationofmaine.com.