Jackie Kastrinelis, only 24 years old

Obituary, Eagle Tribune, Lawrence, Mass.
February 12, 2013
Jaquelyn Ann Kastrinelis, 24

Groveland - Jaquelyn Ann Kastrinelis, 24, died unexpectedly on Sunday, February 3, 2013 aboard the Regent Seven Seas cruise ship “Voyager.” She was the beloved daughter of Michael A. and Kathleen (Stien) Kastrinelis of Groveland.

Born in Framingham on August 12, 1988, Jackie was a graduate of Pentucket Regional High School class of 2006 and then attended the Hartt School of Music as a musical theater major. Following graduation from the Hartt School in 2010, Jackie moved to New York City to pursue her dreams.

Shortly after arriving in New York City and beginning to audition, she caught the eye of Jean Ann Ryan Productions, an entertainment company specializing in providing high-end luxury cruise lines with performers. Jackie ended up working for the next two years on different cruises all over the world. This third cruise, on the Regent Seven Seas cruise ship “Voyager,” was a ten month contract, after which she was planning to return to New York City to audition for other roles, including auditioning for “The Voice.” The out-pouring of messages from around the globe are a true testament to the extent of how much Jackie touched people with her love, talent and captivating smile. On Wednesday, February 6th, all cast and crew of Regent came together on every ship in the fleet to join hands as one family and give a memorial to Jackie. Following the ceremony on Jackie’s last ship, cast members went to the bow of the ship to toss yellow roses into the ocean in memory of Jackie. As the last rose was thrown, a pod of whales surfaced.

Jackie had a true love of animals, exploring new places and meeting new people. She was caring, giving and always looked for that person who needed help or seemed a little down. She also loved performing and was happy to be living her dream as a singer and actress. When not working, Jackie loved visiting with her family back in Groveland as well as visiting her friends and fellow performers in New York City, Hartford and Boston. Summer visits to the family house on Cape Cod were a special and treasured part of her life.

In addition to her parents, Mike and Kathy, she is survived by her two brothers, Michael L. and Andrew A. Kastrinelis; paternal grandparents, Peter L. and Barbara A. Kastrinelis of Boxford; maternal grandmother, Virginia R. Stien of Mashpee and the late Michael G. Stien; several aunts and uncles, Peter and Sheila Kastrinelis of Boxborough, Timothy and Kelly Kastrinelis of Boxford, Michael Stien of New York City, Chris Stien of Martha’s Vineyard, Matthew Stien of Atlanta, GA and William and Lisa VanGilst of Harwinton, CT; many cousins, dear friends and Jackie’s boyfriend, David Marmanillo.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 16th in the Groveland Congregational Church, 4 King Street, Groveland at 10 a.m. The family will be receiving family and friends at the Groveland Congregational Church on Friday from 4 - 8 pm. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to the Jaquelyn Kastrinelis Fund for the Performing Arts, c/o The Pentucket Arts Foundation, PO Box 254, West Newbury, MA 01985. Funds in this account will be used to support the artistic endeavors that were most meaningful to Jackie during her time at Pentucket. Interment will be privately held in the Riverview Cemetery, Groveland. Arrangements are under the direction of the Linnehan-Grondin Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill. For more information and to send online condolences, please visit www.linnehan-grondin.com.

Jackie was the niece of my sister's ex-husband.  I especially remember her as a little flower girl, along with my own daughter, at my sister's wedding.  She will be greatly missed, gone much too soon. 

A link to her obituary at the funeral home website:
http://www.linnehanfuneralhomes.com/viewer.php?obit=227