Jacqui's obituary
Jacqueline “Jacqui” (Jillson) Selnes of Holland, MI (formerly of Rochester, MI), passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the age of 87. Jacqui was born to John and Francis (Dougherty) Jillson on July 3, 1937, in Detroit, MI. She fondly remembered her growing up years as an only child, during which she especially enjoyed ice skating. After graduation from Cooley High School in 1955, she married and had Kim and Brian.
Always a classy, well-dressed professional, Jacqui enjoyed her career and also loved cooking and sewing. After working for Minoru Yamasaki on the Twin Towers project, she eventually moved to Philadelphia where she worked for McNeil Labs/Johnson & Johnson and the School of Muscle Therapy. While there she enjoyed time at and developed a love for the Jersey shore. She made her way back to Michigan in 1998 where she joined the the staff of Oakland University. Working in the nursing and psychology departments, she made friends from all walks of life. Jacqui was passionate about animals, especially her cats, and had a deep appreciation for music and art. She took great pride in over four decades of personal growth and deeply treasured the friendships formed through her supportive recovery community.
Lovingly remembered by her daughter, Kim (Tony) Brani of West Olive, MI and son Brian Morelli (Karen Koratsis) of Leonard, MI; grandchildren: Alan (Helen) Brani of Whitestone, NY, Andrea (Frank) Marietta of Zeeland, MI, and Carly (Jason) Horine of Woodstock, GA; and great-grandchildren: Gia, Francesca, Gino, Gaige, Antoinette, Declan and Stone; and a wide circle of so many friends and others she connected with through the years.
A celebration of Jacqui’s life will be held at Vertical Church in Zeeland, MI on Saturday, June 14th at 11 a.m. where all who knew her are welcome to gather, share memories and honor her life. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Harbor Humane Society, a cause so dear to her.