Jacquelyn Rita Goldhagen

Jacquelyn Rita Goldhagen, affectionately known as "Jacque," passed away on June 6, 2026, at her home in Pike Road, Alabama.

Born on March 11, 1962, in Phoenix, Arizona, Jacque was the youngest of four children born to Rita and Franklyn Caruso. Her childhood was filled with adventure, curiosity, and the opportunity to experience different parts of the world. She lived in Phoenix, Arizona; Derwood, Maryland; and Trumbull, Connecticut, before her family relocated to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1978. There, she graduated from the American School of Rio de Janeiro in 1980 and formed memories and friendships that she carried with her throughout her life.

After returning to the United States, Jacque earned a degree in Business from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. In April 1990, she married Dr. Marc Goldhagen. Together they raised two sons, Craig and David, while embracing the adventures of military life in Tampa, Florida; Vandenberg Air Force Base, California; and San Antonio, Texas. Following her divorce, Jacque made homes in Cobb Island, Maryland, and North Fort Myers, Florida, before settling in Pike Road, Alabama, where she cherished being close to her son David and daughter-in-law, Kyley.

Jacque was a gifted jewelry designer whose creativity and attention to detail brought beauty to countless weddings, celebrations, and special moments. She had a lifelong love of music, studying piano and performing on both flute and French horn during her school years. She also found great joy in nature, whether walking outdoors, admiring wildlife, or simply enjoying the peace and reflection that came from time spent outside.

More than anything, Jacque loved deeply. She treasured her family, cherished lifelong friendships, and had a special place in her heart for animals. She was creative, thoughtful, and generous with her love and encouragement. Whether through a handcrafted piece of jewelry, a thoughtful conversation, or simply being present for those she cared about, Jacque had a way of making people feel special. Her warmth, kindness, and loving spirit will be remembered always by those fortunate enough to have known her.

Jacque is survived by her sons, Dr. Craig Goldhagen (Jordan) of San Antonio, Texas, and David Goldhagen (Kyley) of Pike Road, Alabama. She is also survived by her beloved mother, Rita Caruso of Morris Plains, New Jersey; her siblings, Paul Caruso (Claire) of Morris Plains, New Jersey, Jeanne Theismann (John Bordner) of Alexandria, Virginia, and Joanne Zaccaro (Thomas) of Beverly Hills, California; her closest and lifelong friend, Lori Levine Esposito; and many cherished nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Franklyn Caruso.

A visitation will be held on June 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, New York, followed by a Funeral Mass to begin at 11:00 a.m. Internment will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery.