“I learned the fragility of life and how quickly things can be gone, and to appreciate everything and each other.” That lesson was one Jacqueline Craven learned from several life experiences starting with the devastating Malibu fire in 1993. She and her husband, acclaimed film editor and Local 700 and DGA member Garth Craven, relocated from England and built a life together over decades in Malibu. Born on the same street as D.H. Lawrence, she met Garth at the age of 18, entering university where she studied Lawrence while he studied philosophy and was president of the film society showing art films. Starting with Straw Dogs, Garth worked on six films with close friend Sam Peckinpah who frequently visited the couple’s home which they resurrected from a derelict property overlooking the ocean and embraced by the mountains.
A Place for Peace
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When Garth passed away suddenly during a flight from Namibia in 2023, Jacqueline, traumatized and shocked, began Elder Connection services through MPTF which provides direct support and referrals to community resources and services for seniors. She bonded through many visits with her social worker, Allissa Daquino, LCSW, and after a series of fractures that required recovery in an assisted living facility, Allissa visited her at Pacific Palisades and worked to provide support and community resources.
During her recovery, Jacqueline was evacuated multiple times from facilities after her home was severely damaged in the wildfires earlier this year. Elder Connection and MPTF residency staff quickly transferred her to our campus for an assisted stay at the Lodge, and now she’s a permanent resident in a cottage, “a sanctuary to soothe the soul,” surrounded by trees, squirrels, and rabbits. “I was so grateful,” she says of the experience which has inspired her to continue the writing she’s enjoyed since childhood. “Everyone there is just wonderful. Now I have this cottage since February, and it’s just fantastic!” In fact, she’s written a beautiful poem about the John Ford Chapel here at MPTF, and you can read it now by clicking here >
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