April 24, 1938 – October 7, 2023
On Saturday, October 7, 2023, Mary Clark Jackson, mother of Chris (Bethea), Nat, Rebekah (Ed) and Sarah (Andrew), grandma to eleven grandchildren and one great grandson, and wife to P. Kenneth, passed away peacefully at age of 85.
Born to missionaries Alexander and Lily Clark in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Mary grew up in the jungles of Venezuela and Colombia, keeping up with her older brother Ian and looking out for younger brothers Al, Dan and Larry. Sister Margaret and brother Peter were born in later years. Many adventures ensued, riding donkeys and avoiding snakes, scorpions, and jaguars. Ian and Mary were sent to Canada and attended Gowans Home for Missionary Children in Collingwood. Mary then moved to Forest to live with her Grandma Adams, working at the Kellogg’s factory as a summer job.
Mary attended the University of Western Ontario in Nursing and trained at the Hamilton General. In 1966 she married Ken and adopted his son, Christopher.
Mary, Ken and Chris moved to Beverly, Massachusetts where Ken pursued graduate studies. Nat, Rebekah and Sarah were born in Beverly. Mary relished the ocean, packing up her young family for a day at Rice Beach.
The Jackson Six then returned to Canada, enjoying skating on the Rideau Canal, Miles for Millions and biking with the kids in Ottawa. Mary returned to her nursing roots, teaching prenatal classes. She was involved in the community helping Vietnamese refugees.
In 1978 the Jackson clan moved to Dundas. Mary worked many years in Public Health, palliative care and the Victorian Order of Nurses. She continued her volunteer work in the community helping others in need.
Over the years, Mary enjoyed sharing dinners with friends and family. Special time was spent at the White Cottage on Lake Simcoe, developing crafting projects and fun activities for the grandchildren Evan, Kyleigh, Megan, Hannah, Genna, Lauren, Sophie, Maya, Caleb, Morgan, Quinn and new great grandson Mackinley were enjoyed immensely. Trips to Gatineau and Denver were always memorable as Mary always strove to help in whatever way possible.
Mary was courageous and independent. She died peacefully surrounded by family and friends. Her care at the Hamilton General and St Josephs Hospitals was superb and greatly appreciated.
A funeral service will take place at 1:00pm, followed by a visitation at 2 pm, on Monday Oct. 9 at MacNeill Baptist Church in Hamilton, ON. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca or www.stjoes.ca
Our thoughts go out to the family during this difficult time. Mary was a sweet kind lady. May she rest in peace.
Staff at M&M Food Market
Dear Ken and family, Mary will be dearly missed. I have so many memories of the good times we spent together. She was a strong woman and gave us so much. My sincere condolences to you all!❤️
Dear Ken, just wanted to offer our condolences on the passing of Mary. We are so sorry for your loss.
Larry and Susan MacDonald
Grace United Church, Caledonia
My deepest sympathy to Ken and family . Mary was a lovely person and will be remembered fondly by her friends in U.C.W.
Sending our very deepest sympathies to the Jackson family at this difficult time. Mary will be sorely missed by all whose lives she touched.
I have many wonderful memories of working with Mary at the Hamilton VON. Mary was such a competent and caring nurse. Sending my sincere sympathy to all her family.