Jacqui passed away peacefully at home on Friday 17th October surrounded by close family and friends.
Beloved wife of John Mervyn Turnbull (dec).
Mother of Nikki, adored Grandma to Jay, Joel and Brooke,
proud great Grandma to Oliver, Lucy and Sophie.
Jacqui was a generous and proactive member of the Castlemaine community, who together with her late husband John,
provided generous support and assistance to the local indigenous community,
Castlemaine based wildlife organisation the Australian Society for Kangaroos,
and the Castlemaine State Festival which her and husband John were long term patrons.
Jacqui was an activist at heart, dedicated to making the world a better place.
Jacqui will be sadly missed by her friends in the community who cherished her honesty, intelligence, uniqueness
and most importantly, her need to speak the truth.
If you would like to join her family and friends in honouring Jacqui,
her funeral service will be held on Friday 31st October
in the Chapel of Mount Alexander Funerals, 12 Campbell Street, Castlemaine at 1.30pm.
If you wish to join us at the service via livestream,
please return to the home page of this website and click on the livestream button.
The service will be live approximately 5 - 10 minutes prior to commencing.
31st October 2025 at 1:30 PM
© 2022 Mount Alexander Funerals. All Rights Reserved | Web by Greengraphics.
Jacqui, we were so blessed to have you and John as neighbours and friends,
We are so saddened that you’re no longer there,
Your generosity and kindness will live on in our hearts,
All the beautiful orchids and plants you gave us.
Dinners we shared, thank you,
You’re with John now, Evie Hoal and Phil Ellett ❤️
Jacqui was one of my most treasured & adored friends (as was John).
Her kindness & unconditional love for my family & for me was astounding!
I will dearly miss her! Jacqui, you can rest peacefully now with your beloved John!
Virgina xx
Will miss you, lovely lady.
Rachael Nicholson ❤️❤️❤️
Jacqui was a truly special human being, and my dear friend.
I only knew Jacqui in this life for the past five years or so, yet from our very first connection, she felt so familiar, as though we’d known each other for lifetimes.
We always just ‘got each other’.
Her courageous spirit, well-earned wisdom, and kind service to others (both humans and animals alike) were beyond admirable. And of course, her timeless fashion sense was sublime; she always looked so feminine and graceful, with that obligatory splash of colour that was so uniquely her.
Jacqui’s life was a continual pursuit and unwavering dedication to truth.
She had that rare ability to face it, no matter how uncomfortable, with humility, curiosity, and integrity.
Her passion for learning and growth was endlessly inspiring, from her love of languages to her deep connection with Italy, where she found such beauty and meaning.
She was a genuine wise elder within our Castlemaine community; a guiding light whose warmth, insight, and generosity touched so many lives.
It brings comfort to know that she is now home, hand in hand with her beloved John.
She will always live on in my heart, and in the hearts of those who truly knew her.
Rest (and explore the higher realms) in peace, dearest Jacqui.
With love…beyond time and space, Andrew xx
Jacqui was (since about 1955) my friend, my foster sister and my sister in law.
We shared so many wonderful memories together.
Jacqui was a special lady and will be missed by many.
My love to the extended family.
Sandra
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to you beautiful Nikki and to the gorgeous family.
The funeral service was endearing, dignified and poetic.
I love Jacqui so much – she showered me with love and support, backing all my causes and my clients.
I wrote this poem for Jacqui:
Jacqui
A poem by Serene T
In more ways than I can explain
Your death is pure poetry
While you have accepted your pain
You have denied its reality
You have struggled with its terms
Its inevitability
And gasped one more time
To feel its insanity
You have searched for its truth
It led you to unity
You fought for those it crushed
Without compromisity
You encouraged the young
And applauded bravery
You admired the wise
And lived with simplicity
Cherished is your passing
With your darling Caithlin
On her birth morning
You have met your mourning
But your mourning darling friend
Has revealed its not its end
Dive deep let go
Into the abyss
Back to the womb
To Genesis
And what remains will never fade
A breath, your words, your Glorious
Thank you Jacqui🙏🏻
It has been a pleasure learning so much from you since meeting you 4 years ago in our truth focused community groups.
Integrity, encouragement, kindness and a generous sharing of knowledge, with a sincere intent to improve the lives of others emanating from all of your words and actions.
A true inspiration and example of service to good.
I will take your influence to heart and pay it forward.
Dear Jacqui, smooth sailing precious soul.
xxx Suz
To My Beautiful sister Jacqui.
You were an inspiration to many.
To the many you supported and donated to are truly grateful for your generosity.
You were always an articulate woman and always looking glamourous.
You loved your travels to Italy with John which was a great memory after his passing.
You were a wonderful caring wife to late husband John and loving mother to daughter Nicole.
Also a beautiful caring sister to me Arthur
Rest In Peace.
Arthur