Jacqueline “Jackie” Molloy passed away on May 23, 2026, at the age of 86.
Born on February 7, 1940, and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, to Marian and George Kraft,
Jacqueline lived a life centered around family, resilience, kindness, and the simple joys that
made life meaningful. She attended Saint Bartholomew’s Parish and School and went on to
raise four boys, whom she considered her greatest accomplishment and purpose in life.
Jacqueline was known for her calm and easygoing nature, her genuine spirit, and the kind of
positivity that made people feel instantly comfortable around her. She was funny, loving,
stubborn in her own way, and truly salt of the earth. Those who knew her often said she never
had a bad thing to say about anyone. People loved talking with her because she was real —
gentle, warm, caring, and endlessly easy to be around.
Her happiest moments were often the simplest ones: taking walks, spending time with family,
hearing about her grandchildren’s sports and daily lives, receiving cards from her
great-grandchildren, and gathering around the table during the holidays — especially if mashed
potatoes were involved. Growing up in Queens, Jacqueline was never used to silence, and
throughout her life, she always had the radio playing in the background with sports, news, or
conversation filling the room. Even after moving to Long Island later in life, she always insisted
that she was a Queens girl at heart.
Some of Jacqueline’s fondest memories were summers spent in Seaside Heights and the
Rockaways, enjoying the beach with her family. Even after her mother suffered a stroke,
Jacqueline lovingly brought her to the Rockaways boardwalk in her wheelchair so she could
continue enjoying the ocean air and the life she loved. Jacqueline was also known for driving
her station wagon to St. Bart’s and offering rides to children who did not have transportation
home after sporting events and school activities. She enjoyed her Salem Slims, a small ritual
that became part of her unmistakable presence.
Later in life, Jacqueline embraced a new chapter when she moved to Long Island with her son,
Jack. Though it was a major life change after spending most of her life in Queens, she adapted
with grace and found great joy and companionship through the community she became part of
at the Catholic Senior Center at St. Thomas in West Hempstead. The friendships and
connections she made there brought her happiness and laughter.
Though Jacqueline experienced hardship, loss, and pain throughout her life, she carried herself
with remarkable kindness and strength. Through everything, she remained loving, positive,
gentle, and focused on others before herself. As a mother and grandmother, she was endlessly
supportive and caring, always wanting the very best for the people she loved while asking for
little in return.
Jacqueline is predeceased by her husband James W. Sr, her sons Thomas and James Jr. She
is survived by her sons, John (Monica) and William Molloy; daughter-in-law Mercedes; her
brother, George Kraft (Geri); and her beloved grandchildren, Christine (Joseph), Jacqueline

(Daniel), John (Katherine), Thomas (Karly), Catherine, and James, along with eight
great-grandchildren.
One of the last things Jacqueline shared was: “Everyone lives their lives their own way.
Everyone is different. Live your life your own way.” It was advice she truly lived by. She also
often said, “We never know what is in front of us to come, only what is behind us.”
Jacqueline lived life her way — with authenticity, resilience, humor, love, and grace — and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

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