Jacqueline "Jackie" Blayda

Jacqueline "Jackie" (Poole) Blayda, 72, of Burdett, NY, passed away on September 24, 2026, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She was born in Ithaca, NY, the daughter of Theodore "Ted" and Denise (Lecoq) Poole and was a 1971 graduate of Ithaca High School. She spent many years in Newfield, NY, raising her children and watching them grow up, before making her home in Burdett, in the heart of the Finger Lakes she loved so much.

Jackie worked at Borg Warner Automotive for more than 30 years before retiring. After retiring, she spent her time on the things that brought her the most joy.

Jackie loved the Finger Lakes wine region, and many of the local wineries knew her well. Some of her happiest times were spent on wine tour events with her partner in crime, Gigi. She loved dancing, live music, and she never missed a chance to cheer on the cars at NASCAR races in Watkins Glen with Ken, her family and friends.

She treasured her grandsons' and was their proudest fan. She loved traveling to Columbus, Ohio, to watch Blake and Chase play hockey, and she eagerly tagged along to their out-of-state tournaments. She also enjoyed spoiling her grand "fur" babies with far more treats than they needed.

Jackie was quiet, yet passionate and feisty. Anyone who knew her also knew "the momma dukes look," when she peered over her glasses to let you know it was time to back off. Behind that look was a woman who loved her family fiercely, and her love reached well beyond it. She was a "second mom" to many of her daughters' friends, who always found a warm welcome at her door.

She is survived by her life partner, Ken Arnold; her daughters, Michele Burchfield (Brian) and Nicole Bell (Richie); her stepdaughters, Rebecca Setcavage (Christopher) and Amber Bateman (Shawn); her grandsons, Blake and Chase; her brother, Claude Poole (Judy); her nieces and nephews; and many close friends. She was predeceased by her parents; brother, Jeff Poole; sister, Monique Fairchild; and stepson, Jason Arnold.

A private graveside service will be held with immediate family. A celebration of life will be held at Hazlitt’s Winery (The Oasis) in Hector on Friday October 2nd at 3pm for those who wish to join. Flowers may be sent to Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home in Watkins Glen. Memorial donations may also be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org)