E. Jacqueline (Lovell) Welles of Corning, NY, peacefully passed away on March 26, 2021. Jackie was born in 1943 to Edward and Cleoral (Stickler) Lovell. She grew up within walking distance of the Elmira Drive-In theater, spent hours fishing and exploring in the Chemung River, and excelled at anything that involved books. Jackie attended a one-room schoolhouse where she enjoyed helping the younger children. It was there that her love of teaching and helping others took root. At seventeen, she graduated from Horseheads High School with honors. She earned a BA in elementary education through SUNY Cortland in 1963. In 1977 Jackie received a Master of Science in Education from Elmira College.
Throughout her life, her insatiable curiosity led her to travel, study and learn. She lived in various places, including California, Texas, and New Mexico, often working as a private practice counselor. However, she ultimately spent the most time in the Chemung Valley. She loved upstate New York thunderstorms, gardening in the summer, and cross-country skiing in the winter.
In the ’80s, she was a beloved Assistant Professor at Corning Community College, teaching Human Services and Creative Behavior, among other courses. Her enviable knowledge on numerous topics earned her a spot as a contestant on Jeopardy in 1989. She also played a decent game of Scrabble. In her later years, she encouraged young readers through the Salvation Army’s Homework Help program.
Jackie raised two daughters, Ann Welles Hameister of Big Flats, NY, and Lee Welles of Rochester, New York, whom she insisted learn to drive stick. Later, she spent countless hours ‘creek stomping’ with her granddaughter, Ava Welles Hameister, passing on her love of flora and fauna. In addition to her daughters and granddaughter, Jackie is survived by former husband David S. Welles; siblings Lawrence Lovell, Lola (John) Heverly, and Melva Stamp; nephews and niece, Lawrence Lovell Jr., Robert Stamp, and Sherry Stamp. And Maxine Cleveland, with whom she shared a laughter-filled 60-year friendship.
Due to COVID, a memorial service will not take place at this time. Instead, think of Jackie and take a moment to dance like no one is watching. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to the Southeastern Steuben County Library or Friends of the Chemung River Watershed.
I remember Jackie from her days at CCC, she always had a beautiful smile and quick wit. My sympathies to her family, may she Rest In Peace.
Jackie was a spiritual mentor to me when I was a teen. She used to tell me about her love of the outside in upstate New York. i spent several years knowing her in CA, and she shaped my interests and abilities in profound ways. She had a great sense of humor and deep insights that compelled me to look her up, and am sorry to hear she passed,. Peaceful travels and belated condolences.
Jackie was my second mom. With her 80th birthday coming up, I miss her more than ever and think of her often.