Jacqueline Mae Donnell

Jackie Donnell went to be with the Lord on September 6, 2026. She was born in Santa Barbara, California, on October 11, 1934, the first child of George and Bernice Holsten. Jackie grew up in Carpinteria, graduated from Carpinteria High School, and attended Santa Barbara City College and the University of Oregon. She married John Donnell in 1953, and together they raised their three children in Goleta.

Jackie worked for many years at the Goleta Library and later at the Valle Verde Retirement Center in Santa Barbara. Jackie and John were active members of Bethany Congregational Church and the Goleta Vineyard Fellowship, serving in several ministries there.

In 2001, Jackie and John moved to Alpine, California, where John passed away in 2003 following an earlier stroke. Jackie’s love of gardening became a special part of her life, and she lovingly created beautiful gardens in both Alpine, and later at her daughter Julie’s home in Vandenberg Village.

Jackie is survived by her daughter, Julie Moore of Lompoc; sons Steve Donnell of White Bird, Idaho, and Scott Donnell (Carolyn) of El Cajon; six grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Kenn Holsten (Christine) and Gary Holsten (Tonjua), and their families. She was preceded in death by her brother Bill Holsten.

Jackie will be remembered for her deep faith, love of family, generous spirit, and the beauty she brought into the lives of those around her.