Jacqueline Kathryn Carlone

Jacqueline Kathryn Carlone (née Solseth)

Beloved wife, cherished mom, gentle grandmother, faithful Godmother, loving aunt, and dear friend, Jacquie lived her life in joyful service to others. She carried out her beautiful and life-giving faith every day and beautifully embodied St. Teresa of Calcutta's guidance to "do small things with great love." Jacquie's life was a model of selfless love.
Surrounded by her loving husband, daughters, and "fur child," Angel, Jacquie passed away peacefully at home on June 16, 2024 after a five-year journey with Alzheimer's Disease and was carried into Eternal Joy to be with the Lord.
Jacquie is preceded in death by her parents, Angela Frances Solseth (Lunka) and Walter Norman Solseth, special aunt, Albena Lunka, parents-in-law Bartolomeo Carlone and Rose Colonna Carlone, brothers-in-law John Carlone, Emil Carlone, Donald Kasbohm and Salvatore Carlone, and sisters-in-law Donna Carlone and Clodetta Carlone.
She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 56 years, Anthony, who gently and humbly cared for Jacquie at home, providing daily care, laughter, singing, dancing, smiles, hugs, and kisses. Jacquie is also survived by her three beautiful daughters, Dr. Cassandra Carlone (Jeff Rowe) of Nowthen, Alexandra Fitzsimmons (Brandon) of Stillwater, and Anastasia Carlone Scott (Robert) of Stillwater. She is also survived by her seven special grandchildren, Daniel Patrick Jambor (Claire McMannes), James Wesley, Isaac, and Trinity Tacheny; and Francesco, Giovanni, and Vincenzo Fitzsimmons.
Jacquie is also survived by her: sweet Godson, Maxwell Pratt; dear sisters-in-law Marietta Kasbohm and Dr. Lucyann Carlone and brother-in-law Patrick Carlone; thoughtful nieces Theresa Morris (Hurly), Clodetta Carlone and Danette Carlone (Pete) and bright-eyed nephews John Carlone, Donald Kasbohm (Meredith) and Daniel Kasbohm; and many treasured relatives and friends.
Born on St. Paul's East Side on May 27, 1945 to loving, faith-filled, and creative parents, Angela and Walter, Jacquie's faith, gentleness, grace, patience, selflessness, humility, and compassion were evident at a young age and grew stronger throughout her life. She graduated from Mechanic Arts High School and St. Mary's School of Nursing. A true Minnesotan and St. Paulite, she loved Snoopy and his little round-headed companion, the Minnesota Twins, and the "Great Minnesota Get Together," and, as a hearty Norwegian, she celebrated Bud Grant and Will Steger by seldomly wearing a coat during the frigid winters. Her mother's Ely roots were evident in her strong work ethic, humility, and love of nature; and her dad's Morris farming roots were visible in Jacquie's determination, love of plants and flowers (and weeding), and kinship with animals. It's no wonder she loved "Charlotte's Web" so immensely.
Jacquie loved being Tony's wife. Having first met when they were 13 years old, Jacquie was drawn to Tony's smile and the gentle way he played with his young nephew, John. They were married at the Cathedral of St. Paul on January 27, 1968 and took care of each other throughout their 56 years of marriage. Jacquie and Tony shone brightest when they were together, and they frequently expressed their respect, love, and appreciation for each other and their admiration for one another's devotion to their children. They spent much of their time laughing with their children and grandchildren, celebrating family birthdays and anniversaries, cheering on their favorite athletes and performers (their grandchildren), recalling fun family trips and the "six foot bear," watching the wildlife at their home, enjoying old television shows, witnessing the changing seasons on the river, marveling at colorful sunsets and autumnal leaves, going for drives, reading, eating at favorite haunts, writing each other notes, playing with their sweet poodle, and praying together. Jacquie and Tony's marriage beautifully reflected the definition of love illustrated in 1 Corinthians 13.
Jacquie cherished being a Mom and Grandmom, and she was fully available and present whenever her children and grandchildren needed her. She perfected the art of "mothering" and ensured that her three daughters were surrounded daily by wonder, beauty, and love. She took them on pinecone walks and taught them to explore the woods, ponds, and fields that surrounded their home. She demonstrated awe in the delicate designs of leaves, perfect symmetry of flowers, and gentle hopping of frogs. Gentle through-and-through, Jacquie "escorted" spiders and other creepy crawlers out of their home, never squishing a creature. She encouraged dreams and held onto the hopes her daughters carried in their hearts. Jacquie introduced her daughters and grandchildren to the gifts of creativity and imagination - theater, dance, music, and art. She delightfully recycled almost everything - confident her grandchildren could use the materials for something "nifty." Jacquie taught her children to: thank God for their blessings and seek His guidance during uncertain times; see the best in everyone; readily share their time and talents; try and understand someone else's perspective and experience; forgive quickly; live their dreams; cherish family; and leave every place better than they found it. She wholly believed in the importance of play and often entered her children's and grandchildren's worlds of make-believe. And, she introduced them to new worlds through the gift of books. Jacquie loved to read, and she loved when her grandchildren read to her. She was proficient in hugging, hand-holding, and high-fives. "Atta girl!," she would say.
Jacquie had a warm and kind presence, and she was often the favorite volunteer of her children's and grandchildren's peers and teachers. One preschool teacher would breathe a sigh of relief when she knew Grandmom Jacquie was on her way, because she knew Jacquie would patiently and gently guide the children who needed extra care. Unhurried and ever-present, Jacquie made everyone feel like they were home.
Creative and witty, Jacquie's sense of humor and playful spirit brought great laughter to her loved ones. Silly songs, funny jokes, and clever pranks kept her family and friends on their toes. One of her favorite day-brighteners involved "impersonating" the family poodle, Lily, and calling her family on the phone.
A lifelong learner, Jacquie took part in mini-medical school and mini-veterinary school at the University of Minnesota. She was a proud member of the Sons of Norway and served different roles in her local lodge - Synnøve-Nordkap, most recently, Activities Director. She generously shared her time with church and her children's and grandchildren's schools. She was a 4-H leader, Brownie leader, faith formation teacher, and an advocate for senior health care. She volunteered to hold babies and helped people grieving the loss of a pet.
Jacquie's faith was inspiring. She prayed throughout the day, looked forward to and never missed Mass (even when she fell on the ice in the Cathedral parking lot before Ash Wednesday Mass and broke her arm), lovingly meditated on the Rosary, gently took care of God's creatures, loved her neighbors, lived out Matthew 25, believed in and advocated for the sanctity of human life throughout the lifespan, and cherished her family. She showed us how to love completely, and through her love, she gave us a beautiful glimpse of Heaven.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 27 at 1:30 PM with visitation one-half hour prior at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 8260 Fourth Street North, Oakdale, Minnesota 55128. The Rite of Committal and burial will immediately follow Mass at Fairview Cemetery.