Jacqueline (Chicoski) Viger

Jacqueline "Jackie" (Chicoski) Viger passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at the age of 76.

Born on April 29, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, Jackie was the daughter of John Wesley Burns and Enola Jean (Whittenmyer) Burns. A few months after their children were born, the family moved to Southgate, where she spent her childhood. As the oldest sibling, Jackie developed a caring and protective nature that would become the hallmark of her life.

To know Jackie was to know kindness. She had a remarkable ability to see the needs of others and quietly step in to help. Whether it was a neighbor, a stranger, a friend, or someone she encountered in passing, Jackie believed everyone deserved dignity, compassion, and respect.

Much of her professional life was devoted to caring for adults with special needs, work that she considered far more than a job. She loved the individuals she served and was deeply committed to helping them experience life to the fullest. Jackie spent countless hours supporting residents in group homes, taking them on walks, helping them participate in community activities, and ensuring they felt valued and included. Her family often remarked that she would have done anything for the people in her care.

Jackie was equally passionate about human rights and equality. She believed that every person deserved to be treated fairly and with kindness, and she lived those convictions every day. Her compassion extended far beyond family and friends. On hot summer days, she would bring cold bottles of water to construction crews and sanitation workers passing through the neighborhood. Had time allowed, she likely would have baked them cookies as well. Looking after people simply came naturally to her.

One of the greatest blessings of Jackie's life was meeting her husband, Kevin, in 2020. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and beauty. Since meeting Kevin, Jackie often spoke of having a renewed joy for life. The two shared a passion for gardening and took great pride in creating a backyard oasis. They spent countless hours tending flowers and vegetables, admiring their rose bushes, maintaining their beautiful redwood fence, and watching birds gather at the feeders and birdhouses that filled their yard. Those simple moments together became some of Jackie's most cherished.

Jackie was also a devoted Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed life's simple comforts. She was rarely seen without her favorite jeans and hoodie, a combination that became her signature style. She found happiness in simple pleasures, meaningful conversations, and spending time with those she loved. Her faithful rescue dog, Keith, was a constant companion and an important source of comfort during her illness.

Above all else, Jackie loved people. She welcomed others without judgment, offered help without hesitation, and gave of herself freely. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering compassion left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Jackie is survived by her beloved husband, Kevin M. Viger; her sons, Joseph M. Chicoski, Andrew M. Chicoski, and Jeffrey N. Chicoski; her daughters-in-law, Megumi Chicoski and Abbie Van Der Wege; her brother, J. Michael Burns; her grandson, Toshihiro Chicoski; her granddaughters, Lucy Van Der Wege and Elsa Van Der Wege; her cousins, Sharon Agbay and Franklin Douglas; her faithful rescue dog, Keith; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 1325 Champaign Road, Lincoln Park, Michigan. A funeral service celebrating Jackie's life will begin at 3:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Paula Miller.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church in Jackie’s honor. https://www.stmichaelslp.com/donate

Though she will be deeply missed, Jackie's legacy of kindness, acceptance, and love will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched.