Our wonderful mom, Jacqueline Lunianski, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2024 surrounded by her children at the age of 85.
She was called “Tutu” by her six grandchildren, which means grandma or grandpa in Hawaiian.
She was a kind, generous and supportive parent who set firm boundaries. We had an idyllic childhood roaming the hills behind our home in Montecito.
She took us camping at Montana de Oro, allowed us to care for all kinds of pets — from hamsters to birds to tadpoles — along with the usual cats and dogs; and traveled with us from a young age to unique locales such as the Santa Barbara Channel Islands, and the Navajo and Hopi reservations in Arizona.
Tutu was an enthusiastic bird watcher, and we spent many an afternoon hunched in the bushes together with our binoculars, as well as frequent weekends out on the Condor Express whale watching.
She got us interested in the outdoors, protecting the California condors, and learning about other places and cultures. Her love of nature, travel and adventure fostered curiosity and empathy in each of us.
She was always learning and growing.
She grew up in Prospect Park, New Jersey, and trained as a nurse at the Paterson General Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1959. She then received a cachelor of science in 1963 and master of education in 1967 from Columbia University.
She worked as a visiting nurse but focused on raising her children as her primary role, while continuing to be involved in meaningful organizations that kept her engaged and further developed her professional, philanthropic and creative passions.
She was married to Irwin Lunianski, whom she met when in nursing school in New York City. They were married in 1969 and had many wonderful memories for nearly 25 years, remaining close throughout the rest of her life.
She led tours to Painted Cave and became involved in Chumash art and history through her involvement with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, sitting on the board for many years.
She was one of the inaugural masterminds behind the annual Art Walk and was later a docent at Lotusland. She taught Lamaze childbirth classes and became deeply dedicated to writing and studying poetry.
She was a valued member of a local poetry reading group – she was one of the original members, and her love for poetry was legion. She lit up when discussing her favorite poets and poems.
Tutu possessed a sharp intellect and loved the power of words; she enjoyed completing the New York Times crossword puzzles weekly, as well as competitive games of Scrabble with friends and family.
She was also an opera enthusiast who traveled to see “The Ring” multiple times. Our entire childhood is infused with classical music, symphony and opera attendance, and the comforting fact that every journey in the car and time spent in our kitchen would be listening to the local classical music station.
Our mom was a quiet force. To those allowed in her circle she was fiercely loyal, a dedicated friend, and true confidant. She believed in freedom, equality and peace.
As we honor her and interact with those who loved her, we continue to hear, “Your mom is one of the kindest and most beautiful humans I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Jackie’s smile and laugh are unforgettable.”
She is survived by her children, son David Lunianski (Maggie); daughters Kira Baker (William) and Rachel Kauffman (Jon); grandchildren Quinn, Katherine (Katie), Maxwell, Galexi (Lexi), Anja and Ronan; as well as many relatives in her extended family.
Rest easy, Mama … we love you!