Jacqueline Elaine Chavers "Jackie" Stanga

February 16, 1942 - July 14, 2021

Jacqueline, a resident of Ponchatoula, was born February 16, 1942 and passed away on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at North Oaks Acute Care Center at the age of 79. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. She loved being around people and enjoyed helping and taking care of others. She grew up in Baton Rouge where she graduated from Istrouma High. She acquired her knack for taking care of others from an early age being the eldest of five girls. Jackie married Claiborne, the love of her life, and moved to the “country” where they raised their family on his ancestral land in Bedico, Louisiana. They enjoyed spending time down the river, hunting with family friends in Texas, and especially dancing. Their house always had an open door for weekly supper, large gatherings, or just a cup of coffee often served with Jackie’s famous homemade biscuits. Jackie’s talents and hobbies included cooking, cake decorating, scrapbooking her countless photos, quilting, and gardening. She loved music, dancing, and concerts. She also shared her love of reading with her nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, and anyone else who would listen and assured them that you could travel anywhere in the world just by reading a book. Her own travels stretched from the southernmost point in Key West, up to Tennesse, and to the west coast with Mount Hood, Oregon being one of her favorites. No matter where she was, Jackie loved talking with people and would find some topic to engage conversation whether you were family, a longtime friend, or complete stranger. Jackie’s greatest pleasure in life came from being “Otha Ma” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She truly filled the role of “other mama” providing meticulous love, care, comfort, and spoiling. No matter what name you knew her by—Mama, Jackie, Aunt Jackie, Otha Ma—she was supportive and right there with you through life’s ups and downs, and was your biggest cheerleader at special events and always there with encouragement. For as much as she loved taking care of her family and friends, she also loved and missed Claiborne deeply and waited patiently for 40 years to be with him again. It brings much comfort and peace knowing that she was reunited with her love. Jackie is survived by her daughters, Pamela Stanga Kraft and Lynette Stanga; her grandchildren, Amanda Kraft Hill-husband Laramie, Charles Jesse Kraft- wife Tamie, and Daisy May Kraft; great-grandchildren, Skylar Nichols, Dilyn Hill, Ethan Hill, Charleigh Grace Hill, Kalem Smith, Presleigh Kraft, Miah Bernard, Allie May Bernard, Peyton Bernard, and Chandler Hills; sisters, Nancy Egnew, Myrna Fournet (Joe), Tommie True (Chuck), and Deborah Lorio (Gary). Jackie is proceeded in death by her loving husband, Claiborne Stanga; father and mother, Thomas Charles “T.C.” and Flossie Chavers; son-in-law, Charles Gregory “Scoffer” Kraft; and nephew, Jason Fournet. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation held in the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, 1190 Hwy 51 North PONCHATOULA, on Saturday, July 24, 2021, beginning at 10AM until NOON. The Funeral Service will begin in the funeral home chapel at NOON. Interment to follow at Stanga Cemetery, Bedico. Online Condolences may be offered at www.thompsoncares.com.