Jacqueline Katherine Mead, (Haponski) passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, at St. Mary's Healthcare in Amsterdam, NY, at the age of 86. Born on April 7, 1940, in Little Falls, NY, Jacqueline lived a long life marked by kindness, devotion, and unwavering support for her loved ones.

Jacqueline’s life was anchored by her love for family. She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Donald Mead, with whom she shared many cherished years. Together, they built a family that became the center of Jacqueline’s world. She was a loving mother to her children: Theresa Quackenbush and her husband Mark, Donna Douglass and her husband Jeff, Katherine Howell, Donnie Mead, Connie Grant and her husband Chris, and Danny Mead. She is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and her sister, Joanne Grasso.

Jacqueline had a large family; she was the twelfth of fifteen siblings.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Julia Haponski, and her siblings: Joseph Haponski, Theodore Haponski, Richard Haponski, Cornelia (Connie) Rohacek, Art Haponski, John Haponski, Edward Haponski, Doris Carvill, Leonore Gielarowski, Robert Haponski, Virta Hubbard, Anthony Haponski, and Sophie Hodom.

Throughout her life, Jacqueline was known for her generosity, quiet strength, and gentle wisdom. She will be remembered for her love of antiques in her home, each with its perfect place. She loved her grandchildren and would sneak money when her husband of 63 years was not looking. She loved reading romance novels and exchanging thoughts with her sister, Connie. She was short in stature but had great strength and willingness. At 50, she went back to school to finish her high school diploma. She loved welcoming everyone into her home, greeting them with tea and food. Although she said she liked to travel, she disliked flying. When she could get her husband away from the farm, they made several trips to California to see her daughter Donna and son-in-law Jeff, and they enjoyed every minute.

Family and friends are invited to honor Jacqueline’s life during visitation hours on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Houghtaling and Hanley Funeral Home, 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM at the same location. Burial will take place at the Canajoharie Falls Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to the Moose Lodge at 205 Erie Blvd in Canajoharie, NY, after the service.

As we remember Jacqueline Katherine Mead, we reflect with gratitude on the years she shared with us and the love she gave. Her memory will remain a guiding light for all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Donations can be made in Jacqueline's memory to St. Jude's www.stjude.org.