Giacomina "Jackie" Capitanelli

Giacomina "Jackie" Maggio Capitanelli

Jackie Capitanelli took the ultimate flight to Heaven on Good Friday, April 7, 2023

Giacomina was born to Anthony and Elvira Maggio on December 16, 1930, in Passaic, NJ. Jackie grew up in an Italian household along with her brother, Frank Maggio, and sister Rose Maggio Procopio. 
She met her husband, Arnold, on a blind date, and within six months, they were married.
Their life took them to many places in New Jersey, Florida, and California.

Her life was full, being a devoted wife and mother to her husband and six children. Being a mom was her number one priority, so she became a mom to so many. Giacomina always had a way of seeing life through the lens of Love, whether it regarded relationships, children, cooking, and, most of all, her spirituality, 
 
As a "founding" member of Christ of the Desert Church, together with her husband Arnold and several other parishioners, they initiated not only the renovation of a broken-down apartment building into a welcoming worship center but the warm atmosphere of Christ's Love that has drawn so many to our little chapel.
Jackie's uninhibited enthusiasm for praise during mass (of course, from her usual seat front and center of the altar) has long encouraged others to release their passion for God.

Jackie continually supported the community, family, and friends with her art of Italian cooking. She prepared meals for everything from family meals, Sicilian Sundays, and Holiday Events to First Friday prayer dinners with a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs or anything your heart desired. Rarely a holiday celebration went by without an impromptu invitation to anyone looking for a place to call home.

Of course, this barely scratches the surface over the last 92 years.

Jackie will forever live in the hearts of her husband of 65 years, Arnold, and their six children, Ronnie, Michael, Anne Marie Brady (husband George), Arnold III (wife Kristie), Lisa Kasberg (husband Kris), and Francis. In addition, grandchildren and great-grandchildren Justina, Victoria (husband Will), John, Emma, Sophie, Nick, Lyla, Annika, Giacomina Grace, Dominick, Penelope, and James will continue her legacy.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to "CAPS" at 2 Pristina Court Rancho Mirage, Ca. 92270