IN MEMORIAM: Jacquelyn Mortensen, 86;
Operated Carousel At Farmers’ Museum
VAN HORNESVILLE – Jacquelyn P. Mortensen, 86, who operated the Empire State Carousel at The Farmers’ Museum for 25 years, passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon Nov. 16, 2017, at her home on Summit Hill Road, with her family by her side.
She was born on Aug. 24, 1931, in Hartford, Conn., a daughter of the late David and Anna Egenton Parsons. Jacquelyn was raised and educated in Hartford.
On Feb. 20, 1954, she married Donald Mortensen, Sr. in Hartford, a blessed union of 46 years until his passing on April 26, 2000. After marriage they resided in Windsor, Conn., until 1970 then moved to Van Hornesville.
Jacquelyn was a billing clerk at Bassett Hospital until retiring in 1991. After her retirement, she began a second career operating the carousel. A gifted guide and operator at the museum, Jackie taught many about the history of carousels and their importance in the museum.
She had a strong belief in God and was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Church in Richfield Springs. She always enjoyed being with her family especially with her grandchildren.
She is survived by four sons and their wives:, Donald and Linda of Mariaville, Niels and Suzanne of Mohawk, Eric and Sandra of Jordanville, and David and Donna of Dallas, Texas; seven grandchildren, Erica, Brittany, MacKenzie, Megan, Tyler, Alyssa and Adam; six great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides her parents and husband Donald, she was preceded in death by two brothers Kenneth and David Parson and a sister Rita Martino.
Calling hours are today until 7 p.m. at J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James St., Richfield Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 20, at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 35 Canadarago St., with the Rev. Silvastar Sarihadula, pastor, officiating. Interment to follow in VanHornesville Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in donations to St. Joseph the Worker Church.
