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Jacqueline (Jackie) Ann (Barone) Cottiero, 73, of North Palm Beach, Florida, died suddenly after complications from surgery on Jan. 7 in Jupiter, Florida. She was born May 27, 1943, in New Haven, the daughter of the late Harry and Theresa (Richkowski) Barone. She is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, Leonard (Lenny) Cottiero. They were married on May 30, 1963, at St. John’s Church in New Haven.

She leaves her daughter Dawn Marie Cottiero (Thomas) Boulas of North Branford and son Michael Cottiero of Jupiter, Florida. She leaves behind her granddaughters Nicole and Kayla Boulas of Branford, and grandson Matthew Cottiero of Jupiter, Florida, all of whom she adored. She is also survived by her brother Dennis Barone of Branford.

She grew up in New Haven and graduated from James Hillhouse High School, Class of 1961. During her high school years, she was an active member of Phi Epsilon Sorority. She also leaves many friendships dating back to grammar school and high school. Prior to her retirement to North Palm Beach, Florida, she was on the committee for her 40th high school class reunion and a volunteer at the Branford Community House using her skills as an extraordinary cook (she passed down many of her recipes for future generations). An avid reader she was never one to put a book down before its completion. Jackie loved life to its fullest, never hindered by any challenges.

She loved to travel, enjoying trips to Italy, the Caribbean, and Canada. She relocated to Florida permanently in 2005 after being a snowbird for several years. She was a member of the Ports o’ Call condominium’s Social Committee, organizing special events, including BBQ’s, Italian night, St. Patrick’s Day, and the boat parade around the community pool. She loved music and dancing and her karaoke. She loved the ocean and visited often. She was a member of The Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge #2237, Jupiter, Florida.

She was employed at Holt, Wexler and Associates in New Haven for many years after the children were in school. She then became an entrepreneur, achieving her dream of opening and running a successful restaurant called Harlow’s in Branford. Again, her cooking skills followed her to Florida, where she worked for Apron’s at Publix, before once again retiring to spend time reading by the pool and boating on the intercostal waterway.

A memorial gathering will be held on Jan. 21 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 N. Main St., Branford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Smilow Cancer Hospital, 20 York St., New Haven, CT 06511. For directions and an online memorial, please visit www.wsclancy.com.