Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died May 19, 1994. She was sixty-four. Although frequently portrayed as a "calculating," "snooty," "greedy," and "difficult" person, this charming, regal lady handled life's triumphs and tragedies with enviable grace and dignity. Despite being married to fame and fortune, she nevertheless earned worldwide respect, admiration, and affection. Her style was emulated and her gallantry extolled.
Twelve years younger than her husband, John Kennedy, Jackie was thirty-one when she became First Lady. However, she left her deft touch on the White House and her discerning legacy on Washington and the world.
Essentially a private person ? she went twenty-five years without granting an interview ? her subtle elegance and contagious persuasion usually resulted in attaining desired objectives.
When asked to name her chief accomplishment, she replied, "I think it is that after going through a rather difficult time, I consider myself comparatively sane. I am proud of that."
And well she should be.
Instead of resigning to sorrow, wallowing in wealth and idleness, this punctilious perfectionist focused on her children and cultural pursuits. After the death of Aristotle Onassis, Jackie returned to work. She was a senior editor at Doubleday.

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