Jacqueline Pangburn

Born Marian Schoenborn, of Belding, Jacqueline Ann Pangburn, age 88, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2024, of natural causes. Mrs. Pangborn was raised in Miriam, near Belding, the daughter of Robert and Lillian Schoenborn. She was predeceased by five of six sisters, including Bernice, (Mrs. Raymond) Geiger, Sr. Evelyn Schoenborn, Eleanor (Sr.Phyllis) Schoenborn, Pauline (Mrs. Alan) Powers, Theresa (Mrs.Gene) Crouse, and five brothers, James, Maurice, Sylvester (Patricia), Lawrence (Karen) and Arthur (Lola) Schoenborn, as well as a brother, Raymond, and twins, Donald and Donna, who died in childhood. Jackie is survived by her sister, Sr. Catherine Schoenborn of Owensboro, Kentucky and also survived by thirteen nieces and nephews as well as their children and grandchildren.

Jacqueline graduated from high school at Marywood Academy in Grand Rapids and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, followed by a career as a high school mathematics teacher, during which she also earned Master’s degrees in Mathematics and Theology. She was a member of the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters. After prayerful searching, Jackie left teaching, as well as the security of her Order to begin working as a laboratory technician at Beaumont hospital in Royal Oak. She relished her story of being, “The one with a needle in (her) hand to take your blood at 7:00 am!” She retired after twenty five years. While in school, she lived in a rented room and saved her money to purchase the home where she lived for nearly forty years.

Jackie also survived her husband, Frederick Pangburn. Jackie was a devoted fan of the Tigers, and never lost the thrill having been in Detroit for their Pennant win in 1978 and American League Championship in 1984. She and Fred enjoyed traveling, cruising and snow-mobile rides in the Upper Peninsula. In spite of a catastrophic, nearly fatal accident while riding on a secluded trail, from which she was paralyzed on her right side for the rest of her life, her favorite art was a photo of the trail in those Upper Michigan woods, which she displayed across from her TV tray/Solitaire table in her living room.

A lifelong, stubbornly independent woman, Jackie kept her smile, sense of humor and always cheerful disposition, only rarely abandoning it to explain creatively that she preferred doing most things for herself! Jackie will rest with her husband at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Miriam, near Belding.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on April 26, 2024, at 11am with visitation one hour prior at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 9041 Krupp Road, Belding.

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