Remembering Jackie Sant-Myerhoff
Jackie…
The setting was surreal. On a warm Southern California day, on Saturday, October 24, 2015, 10 dozen or so people gathered in a suburban Northridge home to reminisce, to cry, to laugh, to drink a vodka toast and to pay homage to a unique being that left us too soon and too suddenly. And yet, she was distinctly there among us. We all reflected her, felt her presence and channeled her. We almost expected her to suddenly appear in flesh, smile at us, touch us and reassure us that everything would be OK.
Jackie Sant-Myerhoff was like that. She became a high being by sheer strength of character and her willingness to learn and grow. It took some doing. Jackie and her mother had a difficult, complicated relationship. There was something unyielding in her mother, perhaps brought forth by the difficult lives of the Russian Jews. Joy of life will have to be something Jackie will have to discover for herself. Yet her background was unique. Very few people knew that Jackie was related to the great Russian Jewish poet, actor, songwriter Vladimir Vysotsky, and although she claimed she was not very creative, her life was nothing but pure poetry. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that she was passionate about the political and cultural issues that dominat(ed) our society. It compelled her to open a Women’s Bookstore in Northridge and that spawned a book group that met regularly for the next thirty five years. It was difficult for small bookstores to survive following the deep recession of the early 80’s and Jackie was looking for another opportunity.
As luck would have it, she was introduced to the Director of a small student exchange organization, just over a year old, – and that is how we met for the first time. It was Spring of 1982 when I interviewed Jackie in her Los Angeles home for a position with our organization, CHI. Just like the hundreds of people who met her throughout her life, I, too, was instantly impressed by this spirited, radiant being with bright eyes and infectious smile. I remember telling Lilka I found a perfect person for our new “Institute.” (Our name then was California Homestay Institute.)
Contributing to a better world was important to Jackie. Her 34 years of work at CHI afforded her an opportunity to positively affect lives of hundreds of thousands of foreign students and their American host brothers and sisters. She cared deeply about “her” students, American Host Families, as well as her staff. She was a dedicated professional, 100% reliable and 110% committed. Jackie was one of the few employees who took our evaluation feedback as an opportunity to better herself, instead of being defensive. CHI made it possible for Jackie to travel the world and make overseas friends with many of our partners. From Belgium to Japan, from Germany to China, no one could resist this woman who overflowed with joy, humor and spirit of goodwill. They all miss her terribly.
To all of us, Jackie was more than a colleague. She was a friend. She was fun. She loved dirty martinis and the Whistlepig rye whiskey, she discovered on one of her trips. CHI was a perfect vehicle for her. She enjoyed CHI Conferences and filled them with professional development trainings but also frolic. The very last one took place in her backyard of Los Angeles early this year. Always an LA-booster, we had a Hollywood-themed red carpet good-bye dinner, with feather boas, fake movie star kisses and bags of swag.
Although Jackie would probably dispute it, she and her husband Lee’s annual pilgrimage to the Burning Man – a counter-culture, hippie “happening” in the arid Black Rock Desert in Nevada allowed her to let loose her creative artistic urges. In the photos we see her alternately in pink, gold or silver wigs, dressed in ethereal creative costumes – or not – having a marvelous time. Another one of the rich layers of her life’s tapestry. (All these accoutrements are carefully folded and kept in the garage, right next to her bookstore marquee.)
When Jackie discovered she had cancer, right after she returned from a trip with her husband to Morocco, she became resolutely determined to fight it. Although chemotherapy was hard to take, she continued to carry full work-load at CHI, in spite of our pleas to take it easy. She participated in the Directors’ meeting in San Anselmo just four weeks ago. We all rejoiced when her tumor shrunk sufficiently for the surgery to take place. She even worked the day before her surgery, to “tie up some loose ends.” We fully expected her to recover and return by the middle of November. We made plans for the CHI Conference in Las Vegas for February 2016. Lee’s sister told me she gave them all a big smile as she was wheeled in the operating room. She said, reassuringly, “I’ll get through this…” Her children and her husband bid her good bye.
As long as there is CHI, Jackie will remain in our midst, carrying on her work in the high spirit and commitment that was her hallmark. Our programs have affected more than 300,000 students from 131 countries and involved more than a million Americans. They will go on. Jackie’s dream to positively affect the multitudes of people around the world for the cause of peace, friendship and mutual understanding has been fulfilled. Although our mission is far from over, Jackie epitomizes the reasons behind mankind’s recognition that peacemakers are, and ought to be, blessed.
Rest in peace, Jackie. Life well done… Life well done, indeed…
Tom Areton
Executive Director, CHI
October 25, 2015
“We are reeling with the shock of this terrible news. We could just never believe something like this could happen. Thank God we saw her so alive and beautiful just a few weeks ago. Ever since the first year we worked with her 34 years ago, she gave us her love and support. Through so many ups and downs, she was always there. We are devastated and terribly distraught. We know all of you who knew her are grieving now too. CHI is so sad.”Lilka, Co-Founder, CHI”
Linda, Director, Program Development and Compliance
“There are no words to express this feeling of loss we are all sharing. I cannot believe it is true and expect any moment that someone will say that she is not really gone; it was just a terrible mistake. I cannot imagine this world without Jackie’s fabulous smile. She loved life and lived every day at a level most of us never experience.”Micki, Director, Student Services
“I can not tell you the sadness I feel, Jackie was a mentor and very much an extension of family. I still remember our wonderful times together like it was yesterday, Jackie could get me laughing by just a quick comment, or one of her looks. I will always remember our time in Japan together. Jackie’s love of life and CHI will live forever! She will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Debbie, Director, SWT
“For the 10 years I have been with CHI, Jackie has been such an amazing mentor, cheerleader and friend. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to work so closely with her and I have learned so much from her over the years. 
As we are all grieving this devastating loss, I know we can all reflect upon how much better our lives are because we knew Jackie. Rest in peace. Sweet Jackie! We love you!”
Sarah, Academic Program Administrator, AYP
“Jackie was one the most amazing people that I have met in my life. And everyone that had the pleasure to work with her would know this is true. I always felt very lucky to be part of her team. I can’t be more thankful to be selected for the AYP job by her. She had this kind of magic that made you be better, and the power to make you feel that nothing could be impossible. I have learned so much from her. Jackie, I will miss you so much. Thank you for all that you gave in life. Now it’s time to rest and fly like the angel that you have always been.”
Loreto, Operations Manager, AYP
“When I heard the news I couldn’t breathe as if the air had been suddenly sucked away. That is how I feel, like Jackie was our oxygen. Jackie is our friend and such a wonderful person who taught many of us so much just by knowing her.”
Dorothy, Academic Program Administrator, AYP
“She has touched so many lives and hearts through the years. If we look deep inside ourselves a piece of her remains in each and every one of us. She has taught us how to live our lives to the fullest with compassion, grace, love of life and kindness for all beings on this earth. The love in Jackie’s heart exceeded all boundaries. For now, our tears will flow as we mourn the loss of such an amazing soul and friend.”
Debra, Regional Manager of Development, AYP
“A good heart and soul stopped beating. Jackie’s beautiful soul, bright face, full of smile and love inspired me in every way. Truly honored to be part of her AYP team. Like everyone else, I’ve learned a lot from her. She will be missed dearly.”
Magdalene, Assistant, AYP
“Jackie was the best boss I have ever had and one of the most inspiring humans I have ever had the privilege to 
meet. I can’t even express how thankful I am that I got to spend this last year and a half working for her. She taught me a lot about how to live well, how to be kind, and how to be strong. She was a truly special woman, and she saw the good in every single person she came across. I am shocked and it still doesn’t feel real. I will miss you so much Jackie. We all will.”
David, Operations Manager, AYP
“What does one say about the passing of someone who they have known for 28 years. Jackie has been part of my life since 1987. It is hard to believe that she is gone. I consider myself fortunate that I did get to spend some time with her recently at our CHI end of summer gathering at Toms house. Jackie touched so many lives in so many different ways. I always found her to be full of love and understanding for her fellow man. She was always the first on to put her energy into a cause she believed in. In the end your life is sum total of your deeds and in Jackie’s case that is adds up to a wonderful life that added greatly to this world. She was truly and asset to human race and I will miss 
her smile, Enthusiasm and the positive energy she injected into world.”
Karl, Vetting Manager, SWT
“Jackie was an incredible women who not only saw the best in all of us, but also the potential, which I will always be so thankful for. Her kindness and spirited approach to both work and life will always inspire me, and I am so thankful that I got to spend the time with her that I did. My thoughts are with Lee and her family; cheers Jackie, you will continue to inspire us to all life fully, just as you always did.”
Emily, Operations Manager, PHSP
“What does a person say when they lose someone who is so significant in their life. I am simply beside myself with grief. Jackie was gentle and kind, she always looked for the good in people. Jackie made people feel important by encouraging them to be the best they could be, she saw potential in everyone. Jackie lived her life with purpose and grace she once said go outside sit quietly in your yard, 
listen to the birds and take in all that life has to offer life is beautiful and it is worth fighting for. Although, Jackie is not here with us her spirit and the way she lived her life will forever inspire me. Thank you Jackie, thank you for sharing your life with all of us.”
Kristi, Operations Manger, AYP
“Jackie was a beautiful person. So warm, caring and kind. She was someone you just wanted to be near. She could make you smile and motivate you to do your best. She worked so hard to make her programs a success. I can’t imagine CHI without her. She will be so missed.”
Kristin, Communications Coordinator
“Jackie was courageous and a true leader. She was full of compassion and lived her life to the fullest. For most of us the impact has not set in and will take time to accept the reality of loosing her. Prayers and wishes go out to Lee,. her children and grandchildren, CHI has truly lost one very special lady.”
Nancy, Academic Program Administrator, AYP
“This can’t be true, how can CHI go on without our Sweet Jackie. That was my first thought when this news came… However my next thought was “how best to honor this wonderful lady” who through her very being taught me so much, to look for the best in everyone, to give a second chance, that a kind word on a bad day changes the atmosphere, family is always before work, we all need a day off for ourselves, a hearty laugh is good medicine. Love isn’t conditional and always always to fight on and never give up. So I know CHI will continue, seasons will come and go but in all the questions we will have during these times one question in each situation “what would Jackie do”?”
Patty, Academic Program Administrator, AYP
“As I try to grasp this new reality, I had a vision in my mind of burning islands of grief scattered around the country and world, each of us spread apart through geography and time thinking of Jackie and making sense of what really is unthinkable. Though I am still reeling from this new truth, this image of light filling a dark world by all the people affected through her warmth and kindness, humor and sincerity, common-sense and imagination, gave me some sort of comfort.”
Blayne, Academic Program Administrator, AYP
