Jacqueline Dawn Mitza, of Wilmington, formerly of Cambridge passed away peacefully on October 30, 2020, with her loved ones at her side, following a courageous year-long battle with advanced cancer. Born in Cambridge, Jacqueline was one of two children of the late William "Bill" Hoey and Ann (DeFrancisco) Hoey.
Jackie was raised and educated in Cambridge. She was a 1974 graduate of St. Mary High School where she excelled as a student athlete on the basketball court and softball field. Jackie made many lifelong friendships from her days at St. Mary's that she truly cherished. Jackie has been a Wilmington resident for the past 25 years. She was the beloved wife of Lawrence "Larry" Mitza. Jackie met Larry when they were both attending college, through Larry's sister, Cindy, who was close friends with Jackie. The young couple soon married, had their first child, and spent the next 45 years together. For the past 25 years, Jackie worked as a realtor in Wilmington. Prior to becoming a realtor, Jackie was a teacher's aide for the City of Cambridge Public Schools.
Jackie is survived by her children, Heidi Mitza and her husband Mike of Wilmington, and Lawrence Mitza of Wilmington. In addition to her late parents, Jackie is predeceased by her brother, James Lamoureux. She is also survived by many loving cousins and nieces and nephews.
Jackie was devoted to her family and enjoyed entertaining and cooking for her family, extended family and friends. She also enjoyed spending time at the beach, walking, and reading. She was always very generous, a great listener (self-proclaimed "nosy"), and enjoyed helping others. She loved animals, was an avid fan of the Boston sports teams, and enjoyed spending time and having laughs with too many friends to name. Everyone loved Jackie because of her kind and accepting manner, sense of humor, and uncompromised loyalty.
Funeral services will be held from the Dello Russo Family Home, 374 Main St., WILMINGTON, Thursday, November 5th, at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Dorothy Church, Main Street, Wilmington, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, from 4 to 7 p.m. Services will conclude with burial at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. All attending must wear a face mask and adhere to strict social distancing protocols. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Jackie's memory to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.