Jackie was born in Dublin, Ireland, and emigrated to Canada with her family in 1954 where she lived in Ottawa until getting married in 1971. She and her husband moved to Fort Churchill, Manitoba for a time before settling down in Smiths Falls to raise three children together.

Jackie has always had a love of art, and anything creative. To this end she has studied various media over the years, mostly watercolours. She began this quest in 1981 when she joined the now defunct Smiths Falls Art Club. However, a few years later her life path changed and she moved away from her art.

In early 2006 Jackie rediscovered a love for art when becoming a member of the Rideau Lakes Artists Association. Through the organization she has participated in art shows in Westport and Perth . As well she has participated in an outdoor art show sponsored by the Schizophrenia Society of Ottawa for the last two years. She has works of art in private collections in Canada and Australia .

Jackie continues to try various styles and media as well as taking workshops to improve her skills. These include watercolour, acrylics, painting on silk, and pastels. Also she has produced note cards and prints from some of her original works of art. As well, Jackie has begun making hand painted silk scarves.