Jacqueline M. (Brodeur) Kraskouskas, 85 of Gardner died peacefully surrounded by family on October 29, 2026 after a period of declining health.

She was born on April 8, 1941 to Yvon and Lucille (Couture) Brodeur in Gardner Massachusetts. She grew up in a very loving and tight knit family and they stayed close to one another throughout her life. She was a life-long resident of Gardner having attended Holy Rosary School then later Gardner High School graduating in 1959. It was here she met the love of her life and husband of 63 years Anthony Kraskouskas Jr. Jackie and Anthony moved to Valdosta, Georgia during Anthony's military service and here she had her first child, Anthony III. Jackie and Tony returned to MA where she would have three more children and dedicate her life to caring and nurturing them in every way imaginable.

Jackie was involved in her community in innumerable ways. She was always volunteering her time and energy to her kids' activities including the Greenwood Memorial Swim Club and Scouting. She rarely missed a concert, sporting event or ceremony. Anyone who needed a ride somewhere knew they could count on Mrs. K. She was known for her cooking and baking skills and would contribute many sought after items in bake sales and events. She always had a hot meal to offer to someone in need during difficult times. Every year she would cater a much appreciated special buffet to the workers of the family business on Christmas Eve complete with a batch of clam chowder. She was on the board of Trustees of the Gardner museum and proudly served her government as an election poll worker for decades. Jackie was a parishioner of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus church in Gardner where she served as a lecturer and Eucharistic minister. She volunteered at Heywood Hospital in the medical records department later transitioning to an employee role where she was beloved by all and flourished. She was a skilled bookkeeper and managed the accounts of "the laundry" and the cape house. With her husband, Tony, She managed a successful rental business of their home on Cape Cod in Dennisport which she cared for and tended since 1982. Jackie enjoyed keeping busy and found pleasure in cooking, reading, playing cards and board games, quilting and listening to music and being a Memere to her 6 beloved grandchildren whom she adored. Jackie was very proud to be part of a loyal group of friends who met as young children and remained friends to this very day. They had many adventures together near and far including going to Las Vegas and a European River cruise on the Rhone River. She stayed in touch with members of her high school class arranging and organizing many get-togethers throughout the years. Jackie spent many wonderful vacations on Prince Edward Island with her family where she made life long friends and memories. Jackie often commented that her kids took her "all over the world" going as far as Alaska and Africa to visit them.

Above all, Jackie cherished her family. She was a devoted and supportive mother who encouraged her children in all their endeavors and took great pride in the lives they led. As her family grew she embraced the joy of being a Memere to her six beloved grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was a blessing to her children in all she offered as a mother and grandmother she will be missed dearly.

Jackie is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 63 years Anthony Kraskouskas Jr of Gardner; two sons, Anthony P Kraskouskas III and his wife Bonnie of Shelton, WA, Michael and his wife Tracey of Swanzey NH; two daughters Lynne Merriman and her husband Justin of Hubbardston and Jennifer Brooks and her husband Christopher of Gardner; a sister Georgette Pollard and her husband Michael of Tolland CT; a brother Philip Brodeur and his wife Cheryl of Gardner; five grandchildren, Katie, Amelia Kraskouskas, Ellen Brooks, Malakai Kraskouskas and Scarlett Merriman as well as two great grandchildren Zairean and Kaivyn Kraskouskas. A grandson, Shane Roger Merriman predeceased her in 2007. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jackie had four children of her own, however there are numerous other people out there that lovingly called her their second Mom.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Care Central Hospice VNA of Gardner and Leominster Crossings assisted living community for their kind and compassionate care of Jackie in the past few months of her life.

Calling Hours will be held Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Funeral Services will follow from the funeral home with a Mass at 12:00 p.m. in Annunciation Parish, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA.
Burial will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA at the convenience of the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl Street, Gardner, MA 01440, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online at www.stjude.org. Please reference in memory of Jacqueline M. Kraskouskas.