Jacqueline “Jackie” Gentile Landucci passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, surrounded by family and her loving husband of 57 years, Larry.

Jackie was born on August 26, 1945, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Mildred and Bill Gentile. She grew up on Jessamine Avenue with her three sisters, helping in the family tavern, Gentile’s, and later attended the University of Minnesota, where she met her future husband, Larry.

In 1969, Jackie and Larry moved to Verona, Wisconsin, where they purchased a 1940s ranch on Shady Oak Lane surrounded by five acres of forest and prairie. There, they built a life deeply rooted in stewardship of the land which included continuous learning through reading, immersive experiences, and care for all the creatures that shared it. These values shaped the lives of their three children, Bill, Gina, and Lou. Jackie was a fierce advocate for her children, wholeheartedly supporting—and often joining—them in whatever interests they pursued, from raising chickens, to biking to quilting and beyond.

Jackie had a profound love for nature. She spent her days tending to her many gardens, feeding birds and wildlife, and walking, skiing, or snowshoeing through the woods she cherished so deeply.

For many years, she participated in the International Crane Foundation’s Annual Midwest Crane Count. Their home was always filled with rescue animals—dogs, cats, and even “Woodsy” the owl.

Known for her kindness and generosity, Jackie expressed much of her love through food. Gatherings often centered on abundant buffets of family favorites like lasagna, Italian sausage and meatballs, and her unforgettable desserts - lemon bars, oatmeal carmelitas, grape pie, and snickerdoodles. No one ever left her home hungry. Whether it was her quilting group, neighbors, friends, or extended family, Jackie loved feeding people.

During her “Grandma Years,” Jackie passed her love of reading, nature, and animals on to her four grandchildren—Leta, Clara, Olivia, and Sam—through countless sleepovers, sharing favorite books, nature hikes, and other outdoor adventures. She loved decorating for the holidays and celebrating with enthusiasm. Spring meant epic Easter egg scavenger hunts through the woods; summer brought gardening and swimming; fall meant pies—at least one favorite for each family member; and Christmas tree decorating became a week-long celebration. There truly wasn’t a season Jackie didn’t love.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Larry; her children, Bill (Heather), Gina (Mike), and Lou; her grandchildren, Leta, Clara, Olivia, and Sam; and her sisters, Judy and Cindy, along with many others who will forever remember her gentle presence and generous spirit.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Bonnie, and her niece, Jackie.

Jackie was laid to rest at Natural Path Sanctuary in Verona, Wisconsin, on March 19, 2026. 

The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the forest lay quietly blanketed in snow.

Please share your memories.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

 3610 Speedway Road   Madison 

608-238-3434