AUGUSTA – Jacquelyn S. McConkie, 82, died Monday, Dec. 18, 2023 at the Woodlands Senior Living Center – Memory Care Unit in Waterville, surrounded by her family following a long illness. She was born in Shawmut on April 25, 1941, the daughter of the late Charles Sanders and Sarah (Johnson) Bowen.

Jackie was a bus driver for many years at the Augusta School Department, but her heart was always with horses. Her barn called “Friendship Stables” started off as a small hobby offering trail rides and lessons. Jackie became involved in offering therapeutic riding lessons to adults and children with special needs. She was a champion of Special Olympics and because of her vision the Equestrian program was born with her holding the very first horse show for Maine Special Olympics at Friendship Stables. She never thought of her work as a job. In fact, she was quoted in the Bangor Daily News in 2009 stating “I couldn’t have chosen a better vocation. Some people have told me I’ve been a blessing to others. The truth is that they’ve been a blessing to me.”

She was predeceased by her sister, Nancy Sanborn; her nephews Parker and Perry Sanborn; and her husband, Arthur McConkie.

Jackie is survived by her sons Stephen Wright and his wife Lisa of Augusta and Spencer Wright of Augusta, and her daughter, Sarah Lettre and her husband Jon of Augusta; six grandchildren, Justin Wright and his wife Laura of Dallas, Texas, Caylah Wright of Augusta, Meghann Bolduc of Augusta, Lexi, Carly and Jonny Lettre of Augusta; seven great-grandchildren; a nephew, Preston Sanborn and his wife Christine of Augusta.

Relatives and friends may visit on Friday, Jan. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta where a brief memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. Burial will be at a later date.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers donations in Jackie’s memory may be made to:

Special Olympics Maine,

125 John Roberts Rd, #5,

Portland, ME 04106

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