On November 16th, a special lady, Jacqueline “Jackie” Moughan, 97, of Amesbury passed away comfortably in her sleep. Jackie was born in Amesbury to Loretta (Dallaire) Melanson and William Melanson. She was married to Gerald Moughan for 60 years until he passed in 2009. In addition to Gerald and her parents, Jackie is predeceased by her sons, Michael and Jeffrey Moughan, grandsons William Moughan and Timothy Boothroyd, and son-in- law, Joseph Kertanis. She is survived by her sister, Elizabeth McCarthy, daughter Elizabeth Boothroyd and husband Robert Boothroyd, Sr., daughter Patricia (Moughan) Kertanis, and daughter-in-law Jenifer Prince-Moughan. Jackie also leaves grandchildren Rob Boothroyd, Ryan Boothroyd and partner Lindsey Waters, Alex Moughan, Sarah Moughan Smith and husband Drew Smith, Dan Kertanis, Michael Kertanis and fiancée Leann Sbrizza. Great grandchildren Gage, Jacob, Niky, and Kyla Boothroyd and Kilian Kertanis. Jackie had many in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends whom she held dear to her heart. 

   Jackie was a devoted wife and mother. Family was everything to her. She was loving, nurturing, and generous in all ways to all of us in good times and bad. Jackie was the consummate optimist even in the face of tragedy. She relied on her strong faith through her tragedies, was joyous in good times, and wisely fostered her own happiness. She was an avid gardener who worked hard in her yard to produce beautiful seasonal gardens. Her hands in the earth made her happy. She was a talented coloratura soprano who performed invitational recitals as a young lady. Throughout her life she sang. It brought her joy. She sang at countless weddings, funerals, and special occasions. She sang in the choirs of Sacred Heart and Holy Family for many years, and sang and performed with a special A cappella choir known as the Apollo Consortium. She sang with her classically trained granddaughter, Sarah, and to the staff at Milltown until the day she passed. Though her voice was her instrument, she loved all music and fostered that love especially in her son, Jeff. 

   Jackie was a librarian at the Amesbury Library for the better part of 30 years. She was fondly known and remembered as the Story Time lady. In her late years, she would be stopped at places like the grocery store by middle-aged adults excited like kids to see her again. Some shared that she influenced their chosen professions. Jackie was a “people person”. She kept her circle of friends from kindergarten throughout her life, and became friends with new people who came into her life. “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other’s gold.” She really lived that little poem. 

   Jacqueline Moughan was born and raised in Amesbury. She graduated AHS and married at Sacred Heart Church. Jackie raised her family in Amesbury and worked for the town. She lived a full life here, and passed away here. She loved her hometown. She knew and touched many lives, and those blessed to know her, loved her. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to one of Jackie’s favorite charities: stjude.org, braintumor.org, give.cff.org

   Calling hours for Jackie will be held on Friday Dec. 12 from 4-6 pm at the E.V. Jutras & Sons Funeral Home 118 Friend St. in Amesbury. Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday Dec. 13, 2025 at 10:00 am in the St. Andre Bessette Church 2 School St. in Amesbury. A reception will follow in the parish hall.