Avenue News, August 27, 2007
TO: The Editor
FROM: Keith Roberts
It was with a great deal of sadness that I learned of the untimely passing of Jackie Nickel this past Friday.
I had the honor and privilege of calling Jackie one of my friends for almost 30 years. Although we didn’t always agree on every issue, her friendship was a constant that I will surely miss.
Always a fighter, Jackie continued her passion and work for the community right up to almost the very end when her illness prevented her from attending the community meetings she craved almost two months ago.
A school teacher, author of several books on the history of Essex and Middle River, Editor of both the Avenue News and East County Times, columnist, and active member in groups such as the Rockaway Beach Improvement Association, Back River Neck Peninsula Community Association, Essex-Middle River Civic Council, Essex Revitalization Corp., Essex Day Festival, Ballestone Preservation Society, Essex Renaissance Corp., and much more, Jackie will always be remembered for her love and dedication to the area in which she was born, raised, and spent her entire life.
Her fighting spirit is something that we should all honor and try to emulate.
Goodbye my friend.
