Edison to celebrate Wexler’s life

Danette Goulet

As the Edison High School community mourns the loss of an

exceptionally caring administrator, they prepare to celebrate her life at

a special ceremony next month.

Jacklynn Wexler, 59, passed away last week following a heart attack.

An educator in the Huntington Beach Union High School District for

more than 30 years, Wexler spent the last six years as a vice principal

at Edison, said Principal Brian Garland.

Wexler was in charge of the special abilities cluster at Edison, a

program that serves more than 150 students with special needs including

severe physical handicaps.

“I assigned her to be administrator in charge, because of the

uniqueness of her personality -- her kindness and understanding,” Garland

said. “She just had a real nice touch with young people especially young

people who were up against more than most, the kids who had to struggle

to achieve.”

Wexler was the champion of students in the cluster during her six

years at Edison.

“She was always a spokesman for the underdog that is the greatest

testament to her,” Garland said. “She was a battler, but it was never for

her. She tried to get things done and accomplished for the less

fortunate.”

Wexler, a 35-year Manhattan Beach resident, is survived by her husband

Gary, son Mitchell, 23, and daughter Courtney, 19. A private burial is

planned, and a memorial service celebrating her life will be held at the

school on April 17 at 7 p.m.

It will provide the school community a chance to grieve her loss and

celebrate her life and work at Edison, Garland said.

“I feel bad because she was really nice,” said David Dinh, a

ninth-grade student at Edison.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be sent to the

World Wildlife Fund or to the Jackie Wexler Memorial Scholarship Fund at

Edison High School, which will provide an annual scholarship for an

outstanding female athlete.