In Memoriam – Jackie Gothard, MSW

NOFSW is sadden to announce the passing of Jackie Gothard on May 21, 2018 at the age of 83. She was the beloved wife of Judge Sol Gothard for 60 years and mother of their five children.  Jackie received her MSW from Western Reserve University Graduate School of Social Work, where she met fellow MSW student and the love of her life, Sol.  As a proud native of New Orleans, Jackie returned home and worked several years as a forensic social worker for New Orleans Child Protective Services.  She was devoted to numerous volunteer organizations, including Jewish Family Service (where she was active in the teen suicide prevention program) and the New Orleans post of the Jewish War Veterans. Her passion was Congregation Beth Israel, where she served as the first female president. Her term coincided with the 100th anniversary of the synagogue and then its destruction in Hurricane Katrina. Jackie was honored as a People’s Health Champion at a New Orleans Saints game in 2007 for her determination and success in rebuilding Beth Israel.

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Jackie was also the strength that Sol relied on in his political campaigns for Juvenile Court judge in 1972, Appellate Court judge in 1986 and Appellate Court re-election in 1999.  In addition, Jackie was a major supporter of NOFSW, helping plan and organize several of our conferences.  In loving memory of a dear friend, we will always treasure the wonderful memories we have of Jackie Gothard