Jackie was born and raised in London and worked for a time in publishing which included contributing articles to various magazines. In 1976, together with husband Alan and children Georgia & David emigrated to South Africa in 1976 where she had many and varied occupations including building a successful promotional gift business and working with an NGO promoting business skills among the disadvantaged members of the community. Jackie in this case certainly stands for Jack of all trades. She is now in her third 'trimester' having made Aliya in 2006 following her daughter and family to Israel while son David now lives in Australia.