The concept of “Service Above Self” is one Jacquie has embraced throughout her life, and continuing in that vein with the Rotary Club of Guelph feels both like an honour and a natural fit. Jacquie has lived in Guelph since 1992 and, over the past 33 years, has had the opportunity to live, work, and be deeply engaged in an exceptional community.
In 1980, Jacquie’s partner, Paul, joined the military, launching a 32-year journey of service to Canada that began in Newfoundland. Along the way, Jacquie and Paul were posted to CFB Petawawa, where they welcomed their daughter, Erinn, and later moved to CFB Gagetown in 1988. During their time in New Brunswick, Jacquie attended the University of New Brunswick, while Paul served as a Gunnery Instructor and Erinn began her own learning journey.
In 1992, Jacquie and Paul were posted to Guelph and quickly found their home. Jacquie began a career with the Ministry of the Attorney General, developing and overseeing provincial services for victims of crime and trauma. Jacquie concluded a 22-year career with the Ontario Public Service in the Court Services Division, overseeing the operations of the Superior and Ontario Courts in Kitchener and Guelph—an experience that also included the opportunity to help build a courthouse.
Paul retired from the regular force and continued to serve in the Reserves as the Regimental Sergeant Major for the 11th Field Regiment, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer in 2013. In 2001, Paul joined the Guelph Police Service, where he served as a Special Constable for 22 years.
Their daughter Erinn completed her education and went on to work with the Upper Grand District School Board as an Educational Assistant. She married Jacquie and Paul’s terrific son-in-law, Mark Pettipiere, and now lives just six minutes from her parents.
Jacquie retired in March 2023 and is grateful to the Rotary Club of Guelph and its members for welcoming her and supporting her desire to participate even more fully in the community. Jacquie is committed to living up to Rotary’s guiding principle: Service Above Self.