Jacqueline (O'Keefe) Handler

Mrs. Jacqueline (O’Keefe) Handler, age 86, of Taunton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Wedgemere Healthcare in Taunton. She was the beloved wife of Myron Handler, with whom she shared 49 years of marriage.

Born in Taunton on December 9, 1939, Jacqueline was the daughter of the late E. Hazel (Hooben) and John H. O’Keefe. She was raised and educated in Taunton, graduating from Taunton High School. Jacqueline earned her Nursing Degree as a Registered Nurse from St. Joseph’s Nursing Training School in Providence, Rhode Island. She and her husband resided in Queens, New York, for 24 years, before returning to her hometown of Taunton, where she remained for the rest of her life. Prior to her retirement, Jacqueline served as the head nurse in the Surgical Unit at Morton Hospital for many years. She was known for her practical advice, particularly encouraging loved ones to gargle with Listerine to prevent illness, a practice her niece Alayna faithfully followed throughout her life.

Jacqueline cherished traveling and visited numerous countries around the world, with a special fondness for tropical islands. She found beauty and symbolism in butterflies, which she adored. A talented cook, Jacqueline was renowned for hosting holiday gatherings, creating memorable occasions for her family. Throughout her life, she maintained a deep admiration for cats and took great joy in caring for the five she had the privilege to own.

In addition to her husband Myron, Jacqueline is survived by her sister, Donna E. Paquette; her nephew, Todd Paquette; her nieces, Alayna and Lauren Paquette; and several great-nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 9:00am-10:30am at Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home, 467 Bay St., Taunton, MA, with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00am at St. Jude the Apostle Parish, 249 Whittenton St., Taunton, MA, followed by a burial at St. Francis Cemetery, 24 Glebe St., Taunton, MA. All relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jacqueline (O'Keefe) Handler, please visit our floral store.