Jacqueline M. Berlinger, age 100, entered eternal rest on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Regional Hospice in Danbury. She was the beloved wife of the late Frank A. Berlinger.
Jackie was born in Ware, Ma on July 16, 1925, daughter of the late Clifford and Geraldine (Bombriant) Downer. She grew up in East Haven, CT and resided in Ansonia her entire adult life after her marriage to Frank. Jackie was employed for several years at the former Arrow Rubber in Shelton but will be remembered for her nurturing care of her family, especially her grandchildren. She was proud to have played the trumpet in a marching band, where she met her husband. Jackie was an avid reader and loved to watch sports and was a fan of the New York Yankees, New York Giants and UConn women’s basketball. For over twenty years, she served as President of Gordon-Visselli American Legion Auxiliary Post 50 in Ansonia.
She leaves to cherish her memory, daughters, Linda M. Thornberg (Donald Carr) of Prospect and Diane R. Hunsaker of Davie, FL, a son, David A. Berlinger of Oceanside, CA, grandchildren, Michelle Arzano (Salvatore) of Prospect, Christine LaValle (Edward) of Toms River, NJ, Jaclyn Ritter (Christian) of Cheshire, Eric Thornberg (Sara) of Bethany, Robert Berlinger of Winston-Salem, NC, James Berlinger of Rockledge, FL, Elias Berlinger (Liana) of St. George, UT, Dustin Hunsaker (Christine) of Asheville, NC, Bryan Hunsaker (Leanor) of Davie, FL, and Jason Hunsaker of Valrico, FL, fourteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Robert F. Berlinger and his wife Ann Marie Berlinger, sons-in-law, Nils Thornberg and Gary Hunsaker, brothers, Clifford, Donald, and Gordon Downer, a sister, Bernadette Eiber, and a step-son, Frank Berlinger Jr.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her prayer/committal service by meeting directly at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Mount Saint Peter Cemetery Chapel, 219 New Haven Avenue in Derby with Rev. Jeffrey Gubbiotti, officiating. The SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia has been privileged with the arrangements. To sign Jacqueline’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.