Patricia C Jackson

Patty Jackson passed peacefully on Dec. 27, 2023. She was born in Wink, TX on Dec. 26, 1932. She lived in several different towns in Texas growing up. She began college at the University of New Hampshire, but withdrew and returned home to Texas to take care of her mom, who had cancer. During her brief time at UNH, she met her future husband, David Collieson Jackson at the School of Engineering. They began a yearlong, long-distance romance which culminated in a 24-hour train trip, by Dave, to come to Texas and ask her parents for her hand. They married on April 4, 1953 in Laconia, NH. They moved to San Antonio, Texas for Dave to complete his basic training at the Air Force Base. Then they were sent to Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS, where Diane was born. While Dave completed his tour of duty in North Africa, Patty and Diane stayed with her parents in Galena Park, Texas. Dave’s job took them to Timonium, MD, where their daughters Kathy and Anne were born. Much to their surprise Anne was born in the car! Patty led their Girl Scout troops, created magical themed birthday parties, taught the girls to roller skate and ride bikes, made up stories for traveling, played duplicate bridge and sewed clothing for the girls and their dolls.

She decided to continue her college studies, and became a student at what was then Towson State College. She graduated in 1971 and taught at several local elementary schools in Baltimore County. She delighted the students with story times in full costume, library decorations celebrating holidays as well as books and authors, and many other unusual and creative innovations which encouraged the students’ love of reading and the library. Dave’s job transfer took them to South Bend, Indiana, where Patty taught for seven years. Because Dave was retiring in 1982, Patty decided to retire as well. They moved to Sherwood Forest, MD and renovated their house. They tried out island living on Marathon Key for five months, but ultimately chose the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL area for their retirement. Patty came out of retirement and worked at Orange River Elementary, Caloosa Elementary, and Colonial Elementary for a total teaching career of 42 years, retiring at age 82. The friendships she made during that time continued to bring her great joy after retirement.

Besides her love of teaching, Patty always enjoyed cooking, travel, and time with her family. She had a quick wit and great sense of humor. She was a living kidney donor for her daughter Kathy. Her greatest enjoyment in recent days came from seeing pictures and videos of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, as well as her beloved husband, Dave, of 67 years and great-grandson, Aiden. Her daughters Diane (Dave), Kathryn and Anne (Carola) mourn her passing. She was the cherished grandmother of Sequoia, Alexis (Nick), Anya (Jason), David (Jamie), Ian (Jessie) and Niko. She was the proud great-grandmother of Braxton, Jackson, Sofia, Paz, Cooper and Jack.

Condolences may be sent to the family in c/o Coral Ridge Funeral Home on their website, www.coralridgefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LifeLinkfoundation.org