Obituary of Jacqueline Joanne Michaels

Jacqueline “Jackie” Michaels, 81, of Largo, Florida, formerly of Michigan City, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, in Clearwater, Florida. She was born on Feb. 2, 1942, in Muncie, Indiana to the late Chester and Ida Mae (Deming) Taylor. In 1976, she married Paul Michaels in Michigan City, Indiana. He proceeded her in death in October 2020.

She is survived by her three stepchildren, Dean (Kay) Michaels of Oaxaca, Mexico; Dawn (Kevin) O’Bar, of Santa Barbara, California; and Marissa Michaels (Tom) Wesolowski of Arley, Alabama; four grandchildren, two great grandchildren and two nieces. She is also survived by her goddaughter, Jordana Taylor, of Dunedin, Florida. She was preceded in death by her brother, Chester “Bill” (Gloria) Taylor.

Jackie graduated from Muncie Central High School and Ball State University. In her 31 years of teaching in Michigan City, most of the years were spent at Elston Senior High School. Miss T, as she was affectionately called by her students, taught physical education, health and drivers’ education. She finished her career at Krueger Middle School.

Prior to Title IX, Jackie was already pioneering a path for girls’ sports in Michigan City including coaching the varsity cheerleading squad. Jackie mentored both her students and athletes and was always the loudest one in the cheering section. In 2004, Jackie was inducted into the Michigan City Area Schools Wall of Fame for her lifetime of educational achievement.

In retirement, her joys were golfing, hosting friends and family for dinner, decorating her home and cruising.

Memorial donations can be made in Jackie’s name payable to the Michigan City Promise Program Scholarship (100 E. Michigan Boulevard, Michigan, City, Indiana 46360) to support the educational pursuits of hometown students.

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