Jacqueline Burke Nissley

Jacqueline Burke Nissley, 90, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026. Born in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Edna (Dean) Burke and John T. Burke. Known as “Gaga” to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Jackie’s superpower was her resilience. Despite profound loss - the deaths of her parents, sister, two husbands, grandson, niece, and nephews - she continually rediscovered laughter, love, color, and style. She adored her family and friends and was remarkable for her attentiveness to others, remembering a nurse’s ill child or asking after a friend’s loved ones. Her concern was always for those around her rather than herself. A force of nature, Jackie was inspired by a lifelong love of books, fashion, and art. Her life was rich with family, friends, faith, and service. A longtime member of Historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church, she volunteered for more than 25 years with Lancaster Hospice & Community Care, where her favorite fundraiser was the annual Labor Day Auction, which raised millions of dollars over the years. She was a devoted and fiercely loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, finding her greatest joy in her large and growing family across the United States, Italy, and France. She will be remembered most for her deep love of family and friends, her resilience in the face of tragedy, and her enduring sense of style and humor – even in life’s most challenging moments. Jackie is survived by her children: Don (Jan) Brennan-Wessels; Michael (Debbie) Wessels; Susan (Wayne) Witmer; Liza (Greg) Petzke; and John (Mary) Wessels; her niece Kathleen (Roger) Turner; and her nephews Dennis (Mary) Ryan, Daniel Ryan, and Thomas (Hervé) Hellec-Ryan. She is also survived by six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Donald W. Wessels Sr., and Richard B. Nissley; her sister Edna Mae (John) Ryan; her beloved grandson, John Mackenzie Wessels; and her nephew, Paul (Pam) Ryan. The family extends sincere thanks to the staff of Homestead Village for their exceptional care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lancaster Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. Services will be at the convenience of the family.