Hello, back from vacation and sending an update on this issue. Sister in law called my wife's AAA and the guy had to use 2 battery packs and was able to get it started. He said the alternator was putting out a charge and told her to let it run and not shut it off for 40 minutes. She apparently did that and it appears to be working normally again. I'm aware that it requires amperage to start the car, I would've still expected to see some of the electronics (lights, radio, etc) to work with the jumper cables connected. So while I still don't understand why it didn't take a jump for me (I've jumped many vehicles many dozens of times) it appears that I am off the hook for now of having to do anything with this car. Anyway, it seems every year when this sister in law arrives, she has some problem with her car. Last year I changed the spark plugs & coil packs, prior year was the battery, two years ago was brakes. Thanks for the responses and I wish you all the best.