Memories of Jacqueline "Jackie" Gayle McCauley

In memory of

Jacqueline "Jackie" Gayle McCauley

La Mirada, CA, USA

June 20, 1931 - January 31, 2021

Jun 20, 1931 - Jan 31, 2021

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Betsy York

Hello

It is December 2022, and I just learned of Jackie's passing. I agree with the prior wonderful comments about Jackie. I graduated from California High School in 1969 and reconnected with her at a reunion. I had come out as gay by then and was able to share this with Jackie who had an understanding. I enjoyed her feistiness and energy for good causes. I was in the drill team and treasurer the opportunity we had to perform in "Hello Dolly". Jackie was a special person.

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Marilyn Griffin

Hello friends of Jackie McCauley. I met Jackie when I was her student at California High School. It was her second year of teaching and my first year in Drill Team. She was a tough teacher, but over the years, and especially after I graduated in 1961, we became good friends. She was a remarkable woman. I just learned of her passing after trying to get in touch with her throughout the Covid-19 shutdown. I'm so sorry I could not say goodbye in person, give her a hug, and say, "You were the best, Ms. McCauley." I felt honored to be one of three former students who were invited to come to her 80th birthday party. I'll miss you and remember you forever, Jackie. Rest in peace and I'll see you in heaven some day. To your family, my deepest condolences. She was a rare jewel, a person who lived life on her terms, but with kindness and dignity and purpose. She was loved by many friends here in Southern California.

Marilyn K. Griffin, mthewordsmith@verizon.net

3011 Crape Myrtle Circle

Chino Hills, CA 91709

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Marilyn Griffin

Susan Gilmer

I am saddened to hear of the loss of this marvelous woman. I have always claimed her as my favorite teacher. She was my government teacher, my advisor for Student Congress and I was her TA during my senior year. I had friends who Jackie coached in softball who were intimidated by her, so I was cautious when I first met her. Her sense of humor disarmed my fears and I worked hard to earn her respect. She had no tolerance for foolish women and taught me to understand the consequences of my choices and to take responsibility for what I wanted in my life. I was engaged to be married my senior year and she gave me a hard time because she wanted me to be sure that it was really what I wanted. Once I proved to her that it was, she was my strongest supporter. We stayed in contact over the years through Christmas cards and I eagerly anticipated hearing of her travels. Her passion for civic engagement influenced me to study philosophy, politics and bioethics. I am so grateful that she was my teacher and mentor.

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donna mccrary

Shared a heart

Paul Flemming

2019, Lagoon Place, Carlsbad, CA, USA

Jackie and myself

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Paul Flemming

2006, Eagan MN

Jackie with my Mom and Dad

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Paul Flemming

2006, Eagan MN

Jackie and my Mom

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Paul Flemming

1947, Minneapolis MN

Jackie Age 16 with my Mom age 12

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Paul Flemming

1941, Minneapolis MN

Jackie Age 10 with my Mom age 6

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Lorilee House

Comments:

Paul Flemming

Thank you to everyone for posting memories of my Aunt.  Jackie was my mother’s foster sister, but their relationship was stronger than blood.  They grew up together in the late 1930’s and 1940’s in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have uploaded one photograph from 1941, (Jackie is 10 and my mother is 6), in the second photo taken in 1947 my mother is 12 and Jackie is 16. As you already know Jackie was incredible person who overcame incredible odds to build her own future; graduating from the University of Minnesota (UofM) she went on to share her life as a dedicated Teacher to thousands of students. 
She was the first person in our family to go to College and my mother always held her up to my brother and I as an example of what a person can do when they really want to accomplish their goals. 
I couldn’t have asked for a better Aunt, as her students know she could be demanding, even to her nephew, as she demonstrated on numerous occasions. In a large part I own my desire to go to the UofM because of her. 
I also have found memories of Birthdays and Christmas as one always waited for Jackie’s presents with the greatest of expectations.  As most of you know she traveled extensively and never failed to give the most interesting of gifts, she always has a way of know just what you wanted. The following are just some of the gifts she gave over the years:  Air Rifle (I was only 6 but loved the military, 1966) Album of Whale Song (1969); Civil War Sword (1971); WWII Gas Mask (1973); Ceremonial Indian Bow and Arrow set (1972); Original Star Wars Album (1977, still in its plastic) and many many other wonderful gifts. But more than this she also encouraged us to try new things and to experience life beyond what we were comfortable with.  
One area of interest for our family was her participation in the movie Hello Dolly.  I found the following at: Hello, Dolly! (1969) - Trivia - IMDb, Hello Dolly Trivia. 
“In the parade scene the YWCA marching unit was the award-winning California High School Drill Team, under the direction of Ms. Jackie McCauley. The group was selected by Twentieth Century Fox based on their performance in the Hollywood Santa Claus Lane Parade on the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving Day, 1967.” The making of this movie and Jackie’s involvement was a BIG Deal in my family as the Musical was my father’s favorite. We were all very impressed and waited to see the scene of Jackie’s Drill Team when the movie was released. 
I have also uploaded a number of photos with Jackie in later life, and one from my visit in 2019. 
Thank you all for celebrating and remembering my Aunt Jackie and a life Well Lived.

Thank you to everyone for posting memories of my Aunt. Jackie was my mother’s foster sister, but their relationship... Read more was stronger than blood. They grew up together in the late 1930’s and 1940’s in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have uploaded one photograph from 1941, (Jackie is 10 and my mother is 6), in the second photo taken in 1947 my mother is 12 and Jackie is 16. As you already know Jackie was incredible person who overcame incredible odds to build her own future; graduating from the University of Minnesota (UofM) she went on to share her life as a dedicated Teacher to thousands of students.
She was the first person in our family to go to College and my mother always held her up to my brother and I as an example of what a person can do when they really want to accomplish their goals.
I couldn’t have asked for a better Aunt, as her students know she could be demanding, even to her nephew, as she demonstrated on numerous occasions. In a large part I own my desire to go to the UofM because of her.
I also have found memories of Birthdays and Christmas as one always waited for Jackie’s presents with the greatest of expectations. As most of you know she traveled extensively and never failed to give the most interesting of gifts, she always has a way of know just what you wanted. The following are just some of the gifts she gave over the years: Air Rifle (I was only 6 but loved the military, 1966) Album of Whale Song (1969); Civil War Sword (1971); WWII Gas Mask (1973); Ceremonial Indian Bow and Arrow set (1972); Original Star Wars Album (1977, still in its plastic) and many many other wonderful gifts. But more than this she also encouraged us to try new things and to experience life beyond what we were comfortable with.
One area of interest for our family was her participation in the movie Hello Dolly. I found the following at: Hello, Dolly! (1969) - Trivia - IMDb, Hello Dolly Trivia.
“In the parade scene the YWCA marching unit was the award-winning California High School Drill Team, under the direction of Ms. Jackie McCauley. The group was selected by Twentieth Century Fox based on their performance in the Hollywood Santa Claus Lane Parade on the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving Day, 1967.” The making of this movie and Jackie’s involvement was a BIG Deal in my family as the Musical was my father’s favorite. We were all very impressed and waited to see the scene of Jackie’s Drill Team when the movie was released.
I have also uploaded a number of photos with Jackie in later life, and one from my visit in 2019.
Thank you all for celebrating and remembering my Aunt Jackie and a life Well Lived. Read less Thank you to everyone for posting memories of my Aunt. Jackie was my mother’s foster sister, but their relationship was stronger... Read more than blood. They grew up together in the late 1930’s and 1940’s in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have uploaded one photograph from 1941, (Jackie is 10 and my mother is 6), in the second photo taken in 1947 my mother is 12 and Jackie is 16. As you already know Jackie was incredible person who overcame incredible odds to build her own future; graduating from the University of Minnesota (UofM) she went on to share her life as a dedicated Teacher to thousands of students.
She was the first person in our family to go to College and my mother always held her up to my brother and I as an example of what a person can do when they really want to accomplish their goals.
I couldn’t have asked for a better Aunt, as her students know she could be demanding, even to her nephew, as she demonstrated on numerous occasions. In a large part I own my desire to go to the UofM because of her.
I also have found memories of Birthdays and Christmas as one always waited for Jackie’s presents with the greatest of expectations. As most of you know she traveled extensively and never failed to give the most interesting of gifts, she always has a way of know just what you wanted. The following are just some of the gifts she gave over the years: Air Rifle (I was only 6 but loved the military, 1966) Album of Whale Song (1969); Civil War Sword (1971); WWII Gas Mask (1973); Ceremonial Indian Bow and Arrow set (1972); Original Star Wars Album (1977, still in its plastic) and many many other wonderful gifts. But more than this she also encouraged us to try new things and to experience life beyond what we were comfortable with.
One area of interest for our family was her participation in the movie Hello Dolly. I found the following at: Hello, Dolly! (1969) - Trivia - IMDb, Hello Dolly Trivia.
“In the parade scene the YWCA marching unit was the award-winning California High School Drill Team, under the direction of Ms. Jackie McCauley. The group was selected by Twentieth Century Fox based on their performance in the Hollywood Santa Claus Lane Parade on the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving Day, 1967.” The making of this movie and Jackie’s involvement was a BIG Deal in my family as the Musical was my father’s favorite. We were all very impressed and waited to see the scene of Jackie’s Drill Team when the movie was released.
I have also uploaded a number of photos with Jackie in later life, and one from my visit in 2019.
Thank you all for celebrating and remembering my Aunt Jackie and a life Well Lived. Read less Thank you to everyone for posting memories of my Aunt.... Read more Jackie was my mother’s foster sister, but their relationship was stronger than blood. They grew up together in the late 1930’s and 1940’s in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have uploaded one photograph from 1941, (Jackie is 10 and my mother is 6), in the second photo taken in 1947 my mother is 12 and Jackie is 16. As you already know Jackie was incredible person who overcame incredible odds to build her own future; graduating from the University of Minnesota (UofM) she went on to share her life as a dedicated Teacher to thousands of students.
She was the first person in our family to go to College and my mother always held her up to my brother and I as an example of what a person can do when they really want to accomplish their goals.
I couldn’t have asked for a better Aunt, as her students know she could be demanding, even to her nephew, as she demonstrated on numerous occasions. In a large part I own my desire to go to the UofM because of her.
I also have found memories of Birthdays and Christmas as one always waited for Jackie’s presents with the greatest of expectations. As most of you know she traveled extensively and never failed to give the most interesting of gifts, she always has a way of know just what you wanted. The following are just some of the gifts she gave over the years: Air Rifle (I was only 6 but loved the military, 1966) Album of Whale Song (1969); Civil War Sword (1971); WWII Gas Mask (1973); Ceremonial Indian Bow and Arrow set (1972); Original Star Wars Album (1977, still in its plastic) and many many other wonderful gifts. But more than this she also encouraged us to try new things and to experience life beyond what we were comfortable with.
One area of interest for our family was her participation in the movie Hello Dolly. I found the following at: Hello, Dolly! (1969) - Trivia - IMDb, Hello Dolly Trivia.
“In the parade scene the YWCA marching unit was the award-winning California High School Drill Team, under the direction of Ms. Jackie McCauley. The group was selected by Twentieth Century Fox based on their performance in the Hollywood Santa Claus Lane Parade on the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving Day, 1967.” The making of this movie and Jackie’s involvement was a BIG Deal in my family as the Musical was my father’s favorite. We were all very impressed and waited to see the scene of Jackie’s Drill Team when the movie was released.
I have also uploaded a number of photos with Jackie in later life, and one from my visit in 2019.
Thank you all for celebrating and remembering my Aunt Jackie and a life Well Lived. Read less

Päivi Berg

I made a visit to the US in 2017 and managed to meet Jackie in California then. All my contacts in LA have... Read more I made a visit to the US in 2017 and managed to meet Jackie in California then. All my contacts in LA have passed. Ever so unfortunate... Read more I made a visit to the US in 2017 and managed to meet... Read more

Edith Watson

On Behalf of Edith Watson
March 9, 2021
I learned of Jacqueline McCauley's death yesterday and I knew I just had to write something about her on this memorial page. I met her in 1964 when I was 14 years old and a freshman at California High School in Whittier, CA . She was my physical education teacher and I took an instant liking to her. She seemed to really care about me and all of her other students. Being new to high school and somewhat intimidated about my new environment, she really helped me feel like I belonged. She was also my drill team coach starting in my sophomore year.
In the beginning, she said that if we ever needed someone to talk to, we could talk to her. I found myself talking to her often and it benefitted me greatly. Being a teenager was difficult for me, and having someone like her to talk to was essential. In fact, she was so special to me that I attribute her help as to how I made it in this world.
By the time I finished high school, we had become friends and I have been in touch with her ever since. We have been pen-pals, as it were, and on her visits north she has stopped in Eureka, CA to visit me and take me to lunch. These were very special occasions for me as I have always enjoyed her company.
The last time I saw her was in 2008, when she traveled to Whittier for my forty-year high school reunion. Once again she took me out to lunch. She never married or had children of her own and in out conversation that day she stated "You were my kids" I responded, "I'm glad."
She was also widely traveled and many times shared slides of her travels with her students. She helped me to understand what love is and the true meaning of freedom: Freedom without license. She has been a dear friend of mine for the last fifty-six years and I will miss her terribly.

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Paul Flemming

donna mccrary

David Stairs

When I first met Jackie in government class at Calhi, I didn't realize we would remain friends for the rest of her life. What a life it was too. She traveled extensively over the years and literally made and kept countless friends worldwide.

She donated to dozens of charities and causes she was passionate about and not on a one time basis, but literally until her death at the end of January this year.

Jackie had so many great stories in her, some of which she would share. In addition to writing a number of poems, she wrote an unpublished book following a trip to North Africa entitled "Naru, Date Palm of the Desert". In it she tells the story of a tree, a sliver of which is sent overseas to become another date palm in America.

Jackie made me aware of how much bigger the world really was out there to be explored and experienced. She had that effect on many of her students doing what all the great teachers somehow manage to do; help us to see what we are and what we can become. She cared deeply about her kids and the world around her. Her legacy will live on long into the future for all the lives she touched; the female version of "Mr. Chips". She will be deeply missed by many of us.

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Paul Flemming

Martie Casford Tarter

To Jackie's family—I really count Jackie as a mentor long before having a mentor was a "thing". She was really my first. I spent 42 years in and out of Tokyo, Japan as a music teacher in an international school. Jackie was the one who opened my eyes to international work. She modeled being available to her students, and stretching them to consider new things...just treating high school students as people. It was powerful as a student and bringing that into my teaching was truly a game-changer for my students. I think, though, the most important thing Jackie taught me had to have been how to build a team. Yes, she built an amazing drill team at Cal Hi, but team building has basic values, and they were so important as I either directed musicals or built a choral music program in an international context. It has to be at least 30 years since I saw her last. That may be a long time, but I am so grateful for her influence in my life; that will continue. My prayers as you grieve your loss.

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Paul Flemming

Martie Casford Tarter

1968, Back lot at 20th Century Fox

Remembering Jackie's influence with drill team

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Paul Flemming

donna mccrary

Tana Renze Hausch

She was a great mentor in High School. No nonsense teacher. Stood out above the rest. Glad she was part of my high school experience.

Tana Renze Hausch

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Paul Flemming

Comments:

Päivi Berg

Yes, Jackie was a great teacher and accepted no nonsence from her students at Cal Hi. I am Paivi, 65 years... Read more Yes, Jackie was a great teacher and accepted no nonsence from her students at Cal Hi. I am Paivi, 65 years of age, a foreign student... Read more Yes, Jackie was a great teacher and accepted no nonsence... Read more