Jacalyn M. Rundell

Jacquie Rundell, aged 77, passed away on May 12, 2024, in Northville, MI. Born on February 15, 1947, in Youngstown, Ohio, the daughter of John and Mary (Dolak) Lutsi, Jacquie graduated from Girard High School in Girard, Ohio, in 1965, where she met her high school sweetheart, Howard Rundell. They were married on May 17, 1969, and shared nearly 55 years of unconditional love.

Jacquie began training as an x-ray technician in 1965 at the local hospital, a career she pursued until 1999 when she fulfilled a lifelong dream and became a flight attendant with Northwest Airlines, later merging with Delta. Over the next 12 years, especially enjoying the international flight assignments, she traveled throughout North and South America, Europe, the Far East and the Middle East experiencing many new countries and cultural adventures, with Paris holding a special place in her heart.

In addition to her medical career and adventures flying the friendly skies, Jacquie loved acting and singing. These activities were more than a passion and where she found her true happiness. She graced stages in various dinner theaters and murder mysteries, showcasing her talents and captivating audiences as an original cast member of Genitti’s Dinner Theater, Dore Productions, and the Plymouth Follies. She also sang with the Plymouth Community Chorus, and was a “Rosie the Riveter” reenactor at the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida and with the “Tribute Rosies” at the Yankee Air Museum at Detroit Willow Run Airport.  Despite the progressive nature of her illness, her singing voice remained hauntingly and unwaveringly beautiful.

Over the years she spent many happy hours with her arms around Howard, as they traversed the United States north and south, east and west on the back of their big Harley. Their shared adventures on the open road became cherished memories, symbolizing their enduring bond and love for each other. Jacquie found solace and joy in the sense of freedom brought on by embracing the wind and the endless possibilities ahead.

Jacquie was a pillar of support for Howard’s combined thirty-seven-year military and corporate flying career, embodying the true resilience and dedication of a professional aviator’s wife and later that of a military pilot’s mother. After retirement, they enjoyed yearly “snowbird” seasons volunteering at the Museum aboard the Pensacola Naval Air Station where they had begun their great adventure together exactly one month after they were married when Howard reported to flight training on June 17, 1969.

Jacquie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a constant source of support for and very proud of her children’s accomplishments. She cherished every moment spent with her four grandsons, showering them with love and affection. Jacquie is survived by her husband, Howard; children, Darcy (Sean) Kolassa and Bill (Rickielynn) Rundell; grandchildren, Aidan, Conor, Brody, and Drew; and siblings, Ron Lutsi and Pam Desport. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, from 5 pm – 8 pm, with a short Vigil Service followed by eulogies scheduled for 7 pm  at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. A funeral mass will take place on Wednesday, July 17, at 11 am, with visitation beginning at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Dr, Northville. Jacquie will be interred on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd, Holly, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation , 1750 Radford Blvd. Suite B, Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL 32508, Naval Aviation Museum Foundation (navalaviationfoundation.org) or The Alzheimer’s Association , 25200 Telegraph Road #100, Southfield, MI 48033.