Obituary of Jacqueline Jean Schiappa

Jacqueline Jean Schiappa, 38, left this earth at 5:25pm on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. She was at Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis with friends and family. Growing up in Austin, Texas, Jacqueline was a lover of horses her entire life. She was a highly decorated equestrian by the age of 14, winning a state championship in Jumper competition with her beloved horse James. Jacqueline received her undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from Texas State University in San Marcos, TX in 2007, as well her Master’s degree in 2009. Moving to Minneapolis, she received her doctoral degree in Rhetoric and Scientific & Technical Communication from the University of Minnesota in 2016. She was a compassionate and award-winning teacher of writing, a feminist inspiration for all her colleagues, and a never-ending source of laughter and joy. Teaching was Jacqueline’s heart calling. A very creative teacher, Jacqueline received high praise from students who often said she had changed their lives. Jacqueline enjoyed traveling and visited many countries, including ascents of Machu Picchu in Peru and Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. She enjoyed many mother/daughter trips including six weeks through Europe at age 8, Kenya, Greece, Ireland, Costa Rica. Jacqueline was a master scuba diver, photographer, and conversant in American Sign Language. She volunteered with several organizations, doing everything from conditioning therapy horses to helping the visually impaired navigate the world. Jacqueline supported artistic projects of all kinds and hosted everything from chess get-together’s to “Christmas in July” parties. Jacqueline struggled with addiction, a disease which robbed her from us long before we were ready. She would have wanted anyone struggling with substance abuse to seek comfort in their loved ones and to seek help in places such as SAMHSA (1-800-662-4357). She is survived by her parents, Wendy Manuel of Northfield, MN, Edward Schiappa of Cambridge, MA, and sister Lauren Hunter Murray of Tokyo, Japan, as well as many family members who love her and miss her dearly. She is also survived by her beloved tribe of friends, colleagues, and students. We all will carry her memory forever. A Celebration of Life is planned for Jacqueline at 2:00 p.m. October 10, 2023, at First Christian Church Minneapolis, 610 W 28th St., Minneapolis, MN 55408. The Celebration will also be live-streamed. The link will be distributed via Facebook. All who knew her are invited to come together to share stories of this amazing woman. To honor Jacqueline’s life the family suggests donations to Minnesota School Outreach Coalition, Caritas of Austin or Majestic Hills Ranch Foundation. May Jacqueline rest in power.