Jacqueline "Jackie" (Campbell) Birch's Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Jacqueline “Jackie” Birch at age 91. She was born in Staten Island on June 22, 1934 to Matthew and Rita Campbell. After graduating high school, she worked at a broadcasting station in New York City before marrying and raising 5 children. She has 11 grandchildren - that she traveled across the US to give their first baths to, and she has 14 great grandchildren. She became an artist after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 53 years ago. She painted beautiful winter scenes and floral arrangements, her medium of choice was acrylics and she had a few pieces in oils and watercolor. She displayed and sold her paintings at local art shows over the years, and she was invited to donate to a Kenyan museum. Jacqueline will be remembered as a very strong courageous woman with a warm smile for everyone. She taught us all about love for family, a strong work ethic and overcoming adversity - to never give up! It gave her great joy to cook for family and friends, especially her Italian sauce, meatballs and bread, and of course Congo bars for dessert. She enjoyed reading, playing bingo, scrabble and card games with her family. She was very competitive and when she won, which was frequent, she would often say, “Sorry, that’s the way the cookie crumbles,” with a big, beautiful smile making us all laugh with her.
She was predeceased by her husband, Clyde (2016), her eldest son Mark, her parents, her brother Richard, her sister Ellen, son-in-law Sheldon, her grandchildren, Jennifer and Rashea, and her beloved Jack Russell, Heidi.
Jacqueline is survived by her children, Rita Russum, Clyde Birch (Lolly), Chris Birch (Bonnie) and Holly O’Connor; 11 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Missy Birch; sister-in-law, Irene Campbell, along with several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) N. Syracuse, NY. A funeral service in celebration of Jacqueline’s life will take place at 10:30 am on Friday, November 7, 2025 at the funeral home, with burial to follow in Assumption Cemetery.
Donations may be made in her name to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
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