My Mom's Tribute

Jacqueline Hanna Lietz
April 14, 1950 – December 23, 2013 

Resident of Walnut Creek passed peacefully at home after a courageous battle with cancer. 
Jacquie was born and raised in New Jersey as an only child to Ruth and Ernest Zuccaro. Her zeal and energy for life started young and never slowed down.

As a child, Jacquie's competitive spirit and her love of horses led her to be recognized as one of the nation's top junior rider. As an adult she remained active in the horse community by judging and stewarding West Coast horse shows.

Jacquie married Walt in 1976 and they moved to California. They were blessed with two daughters, Heather and Heidi. Jacquie dedicated her life as a mother and volunteered for many organizations including Scottsdale Swim Club, Aquabears, Aquanuts, Northgate High School, Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Diablo Porsche Club. Her welcoming nature and love for hospitality always had her planning something fun. She loved cooking and entertaining and her door was always open to friends and family.

For 15 years Jacquie worked for the City of Walnut Creek's Civic Arts Education division. She loved planning events at the Shadelands Center. She was always at the front to greet everyone with a smile. Jacquie and Walt also enjoyed traveling and they visited over 20 countries. She loved experiencing new cultures and would jam-pack her trip with every Rick Steves itinerary.

Jacquie lived to help others with a generous heart and loving spirit. She touched so many people with her positive outlook and was thankful for each and every day. She is survived by Walt, her devoted husband of 37 years, her daughters Heather Maddox and Heidi McMillan, along with their husbands Jason Maddox and Danny McMillan, and her 6 darling grandchildren; Scott, Tyler, Roman, Kira, Paisley and Blake as well as her beloved “Jersey” Family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Civic Arts Education Foundation (www.friendsartsed.org), which provides scholarships for children taking art classes.

A celebration of life will be held at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, 399 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek, CA on Tuesday, January 14th at 1:30PM followed by a reception.