Jacqueline Irene Ayres

Jacqueline Irene Ayres (née Shanklin), of The Villages, Florida, passed away with her family by her side on January 8, 2019. She was 78 years old. Jackie is survived by her husband of 60 years, Alfred C. Ayres, her two daughters Katharine I. Castagna (Francis) of Plymouth Meeting, PA and Lenore E. Noonan (Thomas) of Garnet Valley, PA, her two grandchildren, Patrick T. Noonan and Jillian M. Noonan, her sister, Barbara S. Stutzman, of Oley, PA, nieces LaRue Rainone, Nancy Esslinger, and Corinna Windon, nephews Mark R. Stutzman, Daniel L. Stutzman and Richard Rainone. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Bessie Shanklin (née Taylor) and her son, Alfred C. Ayres, Jr. and nephew Jeffery D. Stutzman. Jackie was born on August 17, 1940 in Ronceverte, West Virginia. She attended Chester High School in Chester, PA, was member of the National Honor Society and graduated in 1958. She married her high school sweetheart Al Ayres and they settled in Chester, PA. Over four years, Jackie and Al welcomed three children into their home. While raising her family in Garnet Valley, PA, Jackie pursued and received a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Neumann University in Aston, PA and worked in several area hospital clinical laboratories. After 37 years, Jackie retired as the Vice President of Ancillary Services for the Mercy Health System. Her surviving daughters remember her as a driven, brilliant woman and a dedicated mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals. In addition to her distinguished career, Jackie was a life-long advocate for quality patient care. She was a woman of deep faith, a devoted member of St. George Episcopal Church, and a member of the Daughters of the King for over 30 years. Jackie loved being a grandmother and loved her Wire-Haired Fox Terriers, Precious and Abbey. Taught by her grandmother, Jackie was an expert knitter who carried on the tradition by teaching students at all levels. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed books by PD James. Jackie passed away after a short but courageous battle with lung cancer. She will be cremated at Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory. A memorial service and reception are scheduled for 11:00 A.M, Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at St. George Episcopal Church, The Villages. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jackie's life. Interment will be held privately for the family. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Lady Lake, FL.

Jacqueline Irene Ayres

August 17, 1940 - January 8, 2019