Covid-hit farewell to very popular teacher

Jacqueline, who is the daughter of Frank Close and Doris Close (nee Williams), died on November 30 just days short of her 50th birthday.

She taught secondary school students English and History at Manchester Academy, where she worked for 16 years and where her death is also being acutely felt.

Educated at Woodburn Primary School, and Carrickfergus Grammar School, before going on to Queen’s University to read Politics and Religious Education, Jacqueline spent some time with the university in an administrative capacity before getting the bug to teach.

She was a gifted and talented sports woman in her youth playing hockey for Carrick Ladies and participating in horse riding events - many on her own horse Emma.

As a teenager she spent almost all her weekends at the Ashfield Riding School in Islandmagee where she volunteered to groom the animals and clean the stables. She was never happier than clad in her weekend ‘mucking out’ clothes and exercising the horses and ponies there. Such was her love for animals, particularly horses and dogs, that she has requested that any donations in lieu of flowers be made to Crosskeenan Lane Animal Sanctuary, c/o Mulhollands Funeral Directors, 39-41 Irish Quarter South, Carrickfergus, BT38 8BL, or via Crosskeenan’s Facebook page under Jacqui Close.

Jacqueline, who would have been 50 years old on December 5, also leaves two loving sisters, Kerrie McCrory-Close and Tracy Close, and an adoring nephew, Ryan McCrory.

Likewise, a wider family of uncles, aunts and cousins in Carrickfergus and Larne (where her father grew up) and others further afield in Ireland, England, Scotland, Holland, Spain, Sweden and across the globe as the Close and Williams families have emigrated.

The outpouring of comments on the Manchester Academy Facebook Page demonstrate the high esteem in which past and present pupils, together with staff, hold her; most of which the family believe capture her dedication to her profession and charges. One student posted “Sonny, I suggest you adjust your attitude”, saying that it was one of her best lines which set him on a new course in life.

A season ticket holder at Old Trafford, she was extremely knowledgeable on soccer in general and Manchester United in particular. She could not be swayed from her football ‘Holy Trinity’: George Best was the greatest player that ever lived, Roy Keane was the best captain of any club, anywhere, and that Sir Alex Ferguson “walked on water”!

Jacqueline will be laid to rest on Wednesday, December 9. The family has indicated that the house has to be private due to the pandemic, but that friends and neighbours are most welcome to pay their respects as Jacqueline is taken from the family home on Henly Road (No 5) or on Sandringham Heights, socially distanced under current restrictions, at approximately 12.30.

She will then move onward to Victoria Cemetery for a family funeral service and committal, in line with current restrictions at 1:00pm.