Resident of Aptos

Jacqueline (Jackie) McDow died peacefully in her sleep April 24, 2025 at age 85. Jackie was born inOakland, CA to John Vera and Gertrude (Flood) Vera. Her early years were spent in both California and Massachusetts. She attended first grade at Soquel Elementary and second grade in Taunton, MA. Third to eighth grades were spent in Scotts Valley and ninth grade at Mission Hill Jr. High. She attended Holy Cross High School before graduating from Santa Cruz High School in 1958. In July 1959 she married William (Bill) McDow, SCHS class of 1956. She was a long distance telephone operator and worked in the plant department at Pacific Bell (AT&T) prior to having children. She attended Cabrillo College and volunteered for many women’s and children’s nonprofits including The Daisy and CASA of Santa Cruz. She was also a founding member of Resurrection Catholic Church in Aptos. Jackie was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority for over 50 years. She was a travel agent for 35 years and she and Bill enjoyed traveling to many countries during their nearly 60-year marriage.

Jackie is reunited with her son Patrick (1995) and her husband Bill (2019) who preceded her in death. She leaves behind her two sons Richard McDow (Kerry) of Texas and Kevin McDow (Jessica) of Soquel and her daughter Megan McDow (Archie) of Moss Beach, along with grandchildren Amanda, Evan, David, Kristie and Samantha and five great-grandchildren.

Jackie’s and her husband Bill’s ashes will be interred together at Oakwood Memorial Park on what would have been their 66th wedding anniversary, July 18, 2025 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may bemade in Jackie’s name to Hospice of Santa Cruz or CASA of Santa Cruz.