February 19, 1952 ~ October 30, 2026
Jackie Cecilia Wright was born on February 19, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Gladys L. Zoccolillo and Stanford D. Stirling. Jackie married Ronald E. Block in 1972, later divorced. She married H. Michael Wright in 1980, who preceded her in death in 1998.
Jackie was proud of her Italian Catholic upbringing and carried those memories with her throughout her life. She was a devoted mother who spent her children's early years at home raising them. Later, she worked for many years as a Title I teacher's aide with the Granite School District.
Her love for animals eventually led her to Salt Lake County Animal Services, where she spent 25 years working in many different roles. Jackie worked hard throughout her life. She was known for being industrious, a perfectionist, and someone who would put in the long hours to get things done. She was also a loyal friend, always willing to lend a hand or give her time to someone who needed it. She had a beautiful smile, a wonderfully unmistakable cackling laugh, and, despite her small stature, no shortage of attitude.
In 2018, Jackie suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and later lived with vascular dementia. In 2019, she moved in with her daughter Jessica, where she remained until her passing. She developed an especially close bond with her two youngest grandchildren, who grew up with Grandma Jackie right there beside them, hand in hand through their days. Her family was her greatest source of pride and joy, and she loved them more than anything.
Jackie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, H. Michael Wright, in 1998.
She is survived by her children Ronald (Valerie) Wright and Jessica (Kristoffer) Mower; her siblings Dorothy Russell, Chris (Nola) Stirling and Lauralie Stirling; her five grandchildren Devon, Kira, Dexter, Kasey and Alexis; her great-grandson Daemon; dear cousins; and many friends who were fortunate enough to know and love her. A special place in Jackie's life belonged to her lifelong best friend Mauna Liddiard.
A celebration of life will be held on Monday, November 9th from 6 until 8 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.  A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 10th at 1 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 East South Temple, Salt Lake City.  Interment to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City.