Jacqueline Laraway Giustina

Jacqueline Laraway Giustina of Eugene passed away August 1, 2024. Jacqueline was born August 18, 1921 in Portland to Florence & Seth Laraway of Eugene. Seth Laraway owned several stores in Eugene including a jewelry store and a music store. Jacqueline aka “Jackie” grew up in Eugene attending Washington Elementary School, Roosevelt Junior High, then graduating from University High school. Jackie followed her sister, Euphemea Laraway, to the University of Oregon and joined the same sorority, Delta Gamma. She graduated early with a BA in English. 

A favorite outing for the Laraway family was driving up the McKenzie for a Sunday picnic while her father enjoyed fly fishing on the McKenzie River. During her childhood Jacqueline enjoyed riding her bike to campus (just a few blocks from her family’s home) where she could ride around the art museum, library, and other University buildings. 

From a young age Jacqueline also enjoyed dancing and playing the violin. Her focus earned her a position in the Junior Symphony. Several summers she attended Vacation Bible School at the First Baptist Church which is now the home of The Shedd. In her teen years Jacqueline enjoyed helping her father in his stores.

Jacqueline married N. B. “Nat” Giustina on Easter Sunday, April 25, 1943.

Jackie and Nat Giustina were married for 62+ years, until Nat’s death in 2005. They raised their family (Natalie, Laraway Michael,and Irene) in Eugene in the home Nat designed and built. During those years Jackie was involved in the community in many ways, including: PTA, Junior Service League, Ladies Hospital Guild, and as a Girl Scout Leader. She was a member of the BV chapter of P.E.O. for 65 years. Jacqueline traveled extensively with Nat for business and later pleasure. She shared Nat’s dream of building Tokatee, taking up golf to better understand the game and to enjoy golf with Nat. Her dedication to golf rewarded her with her first Hole-in-One in 1977. 

Jacqueline was also a charming hostess opening her home for philanthropic events as well as hosting many extended family celebrations. In her later years Jackie frequently amazed friends and new acquaintances with her broad knowledge of Eugene history, the landmarks and evolution. It was not uncommon to take her for a drive during which she would comment on the changes over the years and cite the former or original occupants (and their bios) of many homes and/or businesses. 

Jacqueline is preceded in death by her husband Nat Giustina, sister Euphemea Laraway Culp, and son Larry (Laraway Michael) Giustina. She is survived by her two daughters, Natalie Newlove (Robin Newlove), Irene Giustina (Robb Cooper) and daughter-in-law Carolyn Giustina, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. 

The family wishes to thank Peter, Dana, Sherrie, and Lyn at Cascade Manor for their long time care, love & devotion to Mother. We would also like to thank PeaceHealth Hospice who through the care and efforts of Flavio and Andrea made Mother’s last days peaceful and comfortable. Additional thanks are extended to Tonee, Kimberly, and Eva who also attended Mother with kindness, care and comfort. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM, on Friday, August 30, 2024 at University Fellowship Church (1855 Cal Young Road, Eugene). A reception will follow at Eugene Country Club.

For those who would like to honor our Mother’s memory, we request memorial contributions be made to The Shedd for musical scholarships at the Laraway Music School (P.O. Box 1497, Eugene 97440-1497) or PeaceHealth Hospice (123 International Way, Springfield 97477). Thank you.