Jacqueline Carmen Perbil

Jacqueline Carmen Perbil, aged 96, passed away on May 16, 2024, in Great Falls, Montana. She is survived by two sons, Norman and Daniel Perbil.

She was born Jacqueline Carmen Gorrie to Raoule Gorrie and Eveline Gorrie (Godin) on October 29, 1927, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, with two nieces, a nephew, and many second, third, and fourth cousins still living in eastern Canada. Her niece, Louise, was especially dear to her, and communicating frequently in her last years was a treat for both of them. Jacqueline is primarily descended from Southwestern Quebec French settlers by way of France and England.

Her husband, Karl Heinz Perbil, immigrated to Canada from Belgium in 1952 and married Jacqueline on August 9, 1954 (his 25th birthday). They had three children, Norman, Carol, and Daniel. Jacqueline and Karl celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by family in Seattle, Washington, before he passed away in 2005. Tragically, Carol passed away about one year later.

Jackie, as she liked to be called, grew up in difficult financial times. Having to start work at 14 to help support her mother, father, and two younger sisters, Pauline and Yolande, she never stopped working until she was almost 70.

Being the quintessential hardworking legal American immigrant family, Karl and Jackie sold everything and moved their new young family to Southern California in 1963—partly due to their youngest son Daniel’s medical condition of chronic croup but mostly for a better life. Jackie and Karl had a dream to raise their children in the prosperous United States that they had heard so much about as children.

Karl, the Executive Chef, and Jacqueline, the waitress and partner, were entrepreneurs and worked in the hospitality industry all their lives. Karl’s vocation took them to several places including Southern California, Northern California, Kentucky, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and finally, Palm Springs, where they eventually retired. Even then, they could not resist opening a restaurant called “Jackie’s Oasis” in their retirement community. Having owned and operated several restaurants over their years together, they always developed a loyal following. People loved Jackie and Karl wherever they went. Cathedral City was the community they called home, and many friendships were fostered there. Catering parties was their specialty, and they got to know several celebrities over the years. From Jon Voight to Nancy and Frank Sinatra to Dolly Parton and several in-between, Jackie’s stories about all of them were always entertaining to listen to.

Jackie and Karl loved to travel and went on many cruises. They visited Canada, Europe, many places in the United States, and several islands, always returning with great stories of their adventures.

Although Jackie was a strong and independent woman, she was always concerned for everyone around her. Because of her background, she knew what it was like to have very little and always looked for ways to help her family and neighbors. Most people may not know that after her husband passed away, Jackie often helped her elderly neighbors get to the grocery store and doctor appointments and frequently provided meals to shut ins.

It wasn’t until after her ninetieth birthday that Jackie could no longer take care of herself, so she moved to Montana to live with her youngest son and his family. Leaving her frail and beloved Chihuahua, Boogie Woogie, with a trusted friend was the most challenging part of leaving. Despite Jackie’s advanced age, she enjoyed beautiful moments with family for all the holidays, birthdays, rodeos, parades, and even a trip to Oregon for her youngest grandson, Christian’s wedding to Kayla that included a vacation with all her family in a beach house.

Jackie suffered from chronic back pain for many years that limited her, but in the end, she passed away peacefully and pain-free with a loving family surrounding her in a beautiful setting at the Benefis Peace Hospice in Great Falls, Montana. The staff was just wonderful.

After seeing “The Passion of the Christ,” Jesus transformed from the baby in Mary’s arms to a personal savior in Jackie’s heart. She is now with her Father in Heaven. It was tender to witness her pray and talk with Jesus during her final days.

Jacqueline Perbil was larger than life and touched many people. She will be missed, especially when we hear “Spanish Eyes”—her absolute favorite song.

We are hosting a private celebration of life for family and close friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in her name to the Benefis Peace Hospice in Great Falls, Montana. Cards may be sent to Dan Perbil in care of Schnider Funeral Home (1310 15th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405) or emails can be sent to [email protected] .