Helen JACKSON

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JACKSON: Helen Jackson passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the age of 80 at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre on Wednesday, December 9th, 2009. Helen was born in Portage la Prairie on June 14th, 1929 to Cecil and Jean (Mark) Wilson. She was the eldest of five children and attended school at Paulson and Makinak. Following high school Helen trained as a teacher at Normal School and taught at Renver MB Married to Rosco James Jackson on June 18th, 1947, they moved to Chicago, Illinois where Ross was employed. Three children were born there, Patrick, Jim, and Barbara- Jean. A serious accident left Ross in ill health and the young family moved home to Canada in 1956 where two more children, Deborah and Karen, completed the family. Mom returned to school in 1965 graduating as a Licensed Practical Nurse from Red River Community College. She put her nursing skills to good use over the next 30+ years working at Dauphin General Hospital, Dauphin Clinic and lastly, at St. Paul’s Home where she retired from in 1992. Throughout her nursing career she served the Manitoba Association of Licensed Practical Nurses in several capacities, including as President. Mom loved to travel, visiting many destinations from BC to Nova Scotia. She also traveled in her latter years internationally to Scotland, England, Mexico, New Zealand and South Africa. The Alexandra RebekahLodge #13 was a big part of Mom’s life. She served them in several capacities over the years. Mom was particularly fond of the Serene Theta Rho youth group and was both teacher and friend to many of the girls. She was also a long time member of the First Baptist Church and served as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Mom loved her garden, particularly her roses and lilies. Predeceased by her husband Ross, parents Cecil and Jean, bother Stewart, infant granddaughters Shannon and Deborah, she is survived by son Patrick and children Jackson Parker of Calgary and Rob Jackson of Brandon; Jim (Kelly) and children Chance, Sarah, Adam and Andrew, great-grandchildren Zachary and Davvelynn of Brandon; Barbara-Jean (Alan Keil) of Brandon; Deborah Petrie and son Tim of Brandon; and Karen Bowman (Lee) and children Jeremy, Ryan and David of Winnipeg. She is also survived by brothers Bill (Lillian) Wilson of Dauphin, Gordon Wilson (Johanne) of Abbotsford BC, Bob Waldackof Dauphin, and sister Patricia Smith (Stewart) of Winnipeg and their extended families. And finally, her constant companion these past years, her dog Jody. The celebration of Helen’s life was held Monday, December 14th at Riverside Evergreen Funeral Chapel with Pastor Tim Diackofficiating. Interment followed in Riverside Cemetery. Donations in memory of Helen can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation Inc., 675 McDermot Avenue, Room DN1160, Winnipeg MB R3E 0V9 or Lions Eye Bank of Manitoba. 105-691 Wolseley Avenue, Winnipeg MB R3G 1C3. The family would like to thank Dr. Mathison, Dr. Lysack, Dr. Tan and the staff of the Palliative Care Unit at Dauphin Regional Health Centre for their compassionate care. Our thanks also go out to her many friends and neighbors who gave her their love and support. Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Services, 1-204-638-4110www.sneathstrilchuk.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Dec 18, 2009