Christine Mary Jakacky

Christine Mary Jakacky, 61 Born 10/9/1952 of Indianapolis, IN Christine left this earth on March 3, 2014. Christine was born and raised in Pittsfield, MA and moved to Indianapolis, IN in 1991 where she started her college education obtaining her Masters Degree in Social Work in 1999. Christine went on to become the Director of the Student Mentor Program at IUPUI School of Social Work and served two terms as President on the IU School of Social Work Alumni Association Board of Directors. She became a licensed social worker in 2004 and worked at Ruth Lilly Hospice of Clarian. Christine dedicated her life to helping others in their time of grief in the field of Hospice Care and bereavement. Her kindness and compassion was unwavering. She is survived by her father William Mendonsa Sr., (Jean) brothers, William Mendonsa, Jr., Richard Mendonsa, sister Debra Mendonsa. Her husband of 35 years, William F. Jakacky, Jr., 5 children Alan Jakacky, Linda Crago, April Kyle (Gary), David Jakacky (Renee) & Patrick Jakacky (Tawny) and 8 grandchildren, Alyssa, Brittany, Taylor, Sierra, Austin, Cory, David & William. Christine was a dedicated, loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was a caring, patient & compassionate Social Worker and will be forever in our hearts. Christine left behind a legacy not only in the memories of her family and friends but also during her professional career. Here are just a few of the amazing accomplishments she achieved in her life. Christine developed a comprehensive eight-week bereavement support group model which was implemented at Ruth Lilly Hospice at Clarian, Antioch Christian Church, Washington, IN and Ministry Home Care, Marshfield, WI. In addition to her grief work she was an Adjunct Faculty Member at Indiana University School of Social Work and provided social work services on an end-of-life palliative care unit. The IUPUI Spirit of Philanthropy Award recognizes individuals, foundations, and corporations that have provided voluntary or philanthropy service to the campus. In 2007 she was the recipient of the Spirit of Philanthropy award for the Indiana University School of Social Work. The Award, honored Christine for her longtime commitment not only to the School of Social Work and its alumni, but also to the IUPUI campus and community. Also in 2007, Christine was presented the President's Award by Indiana University Alumni Association Interim President, John Hobson. The President's Award is the highest award presented to alumni by the Indiana University Alumni Association. Christine served on the IU School of Social Work Alumni Association Board of Directors since 1998 and served as President completing two terms. Christine was instrumental in the creation of the mental health conference that has over 200 alumni in attendance annually, the establishment of 3 scholarship funds at the school, and implementation of a student and alumni program series. She served on numerous committees at the school and campus level. Christine was a licensed clinical social worker who received her bachelor and master degrees in Social Work from Indiana University. Christine was certified by the American Academy of Bereavement. She had extensive professional experience in working with adults and children who are trying to cope with their individual grief journeys. In addition to her work in bereavement, Christine was also a Social Worker at Ruth Lilly Hospice of Clarian working with patients and families facing end-of-life. In lieu of flowers donations are welcome to the IUPUI School of Social Work or St. Pius X Catholic Church. An open house ceremony will be held on March 9, 2014 from 2-4 p.m. with a celebration of life ceremony at 4 p.m. at Flanner & Buchanan 325 E. Carmel Drive Carmel, IN 46032.