Jackye Sue Goldberg (née Greenberg) passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at Village Shalom on Dec. 15.
She was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on Nov. 2, 1944, to Allan I. and Lillian (Sweet) Greenberg while her father was stationed overseas in service to his country. Because of the war, Jackye did not meet her father until she was two years old — a reunion that became a cherished family story and helped shape her entire life.
Jackye attended Southwest High School and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri in journalism and English literature. She loved to learn and was a voracious reader, always eager to deepen her understanding of the world. Her deep love of her Jewish heritage guided her throughout her life. Like her father before her, she became a teacher, first in the inner-city public school system and later at Congregation Beth Shalom, where she taught Sunday school, sharing her passion for learning and faith.
Jackye was a loving sister, devoted daughter and deeply caring mother. With remarkable selflessness, she oversaw the care of her elderly parents, and in time, her daughters returned that same care to her. A dedicated mother, Jackye taught herself sign language and became highly proficient so she could communicate more fully with her three deaf daughters. She even taught Margaret, the youngest, to read, pushing back against those who confused her disability with her intelligence, saying, “She’s deaf, not stupid.”
Through her daughters and her countless acts of kindness, she leaves a lasting legacy.
Family and friends meant everything to Jackye, yet her heart belonged to her husband, Alan, for as long as he lived and beyond. She enjoyed being a guest, but only if she could lend a hand. She was happiest when hosting, opening her home with warmth and generosity for all yomim tovim as well as secular festivities.
Jackye lived a life that was rich and purposeful. Her days were full — full of learning, full of family and friends, full of music and theater and full of joyful engagement with her beloved Kehilath Israel Synagogue community. Her needlepoint creations became collectors’ items. She approached life with enthusiasm and gratitude. These past High Holy Days were a reflection of who she was at her core: present, spirited and devoted. She attended each service and event with gusto, savoring the meaning and connection they offered. What truly mattered to her were love, service of HaShem and her profound pride in, and devotion to, her daughters.
Jackye is survived by her daughters, Rivka Krigsman (Yoel) of Baltimore, Maryland; Amy Rasmussen (David) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Katharine (Michael) Rosell of Lee’s Summit; and Margaret Goldberg of Overland Park, Kansas. She is also survived by her brother, Jerry Greenberg of New York City; her sisters, Dvora (Debra) Krevat of Denver, Colorado, and Terry (Esther Liba) Krause of Passaic, New Jersey; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Allan I. and Lillian Greenberg, and by her beloved husband, Alan A. Goldberg.
The family extends its gratitude to all Jackye’s caregivers, including Monarch Hospice, with a special thank you to Amy Stoltz.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Allan I. Greenberg Youth Lounge through Kehilath Israel Synagogue, or to the charity of your choice.
May her memory be for a blessing.
