Jacqueline Mae Cesna's Obituary
Jacqueline Cesna (n. Brooks) passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on the morning of February 19, 2026. Known to most as “Jackie,” she lived her life devoted to her family and close friends. She is survived by her son, Leo (Bethany) Cesna of Tampa; grandchildren Tiffany Sroka of Inverness, Phillip Sroka of New York, and Melissa Cesna of Tampa; and great grandchildren Kaylee Sroka of Inverness and Savannah Dilworth of Tampa. She was preceded in death by her daughter Sandra Whitney.
Born June 11, 1938, Jackie grew up in the greater Chicago area, where much of her extended family of cousins still reside, and she graduated from Maria High School in 1957. She retired to Florida after relocating to the state with her daughter, Sandra, and two grandchildren in 2000. She was later joined in Florida by her son, Leonard Cesna, and his family. Jackie enjoyed life to the fullest; golfing, community involvement and helping others. The loss of her daughter in 2020 came as a particular heartbreak to her as Jackie had lived her life closely to that of her daughter with whom she helped raise her two grandchildren.
A nurturer by heart, Jackie will be missed and remembered by many. She cared deeply about those who were fortunate to have known her, and she accepted people always with an eye toward the good in others.
Jacqueline’s life will be celebrated on March 7th at 1pm:
Memorial Park Funeral Home
5750 49th Street North
St. Petersburg, F 33709
For those who wish to send flowers, the family asks that you not send Lillies due to allergies in the family.
Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the:
Foundation Fighting Blindness
P.O. Box 45740
Baltimore, MD. 21297-5740
https://give.fightingblindness.org/campaign/695812/donate?c_src=MainWebsite
If you're dedicating your gift to someone else, please include their contact information so we can send them a thoughtful acknowledgment on your behalf.
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