MAVIS KATHLEEN JACKSON

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MAVIS KATHLEEN JACKSON Suddenly and unexpectedly, our mother passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2005 while celebrating the Christmas Season with her cherished daughter and family in Rockford, MN. Mom was predeceased by her loving husband, Walter, and her brothers, Frank and Ralph. Left to mourn her passing are her daughter Diane (Gary) Zimmerman, son Ralph (Laenea) Jackson, grandchildren Heath, Blake, Alison, Jarrod, Cary and great grandchild, Dylan. She is also survived by her sister Barbara and brothers Douglas and Trevor who share in our grief. Mom was born in Leeds, England on February 4, 1925 to Francis and Mary I'Anson and was the eldest of their six children. During the Second World War, she worked as a secretary but also spent many nights on watch as a volunteer air raid warden. It was during these troubled times that she met and married her beloved Wally, a Canadian soldier serving with the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada. Following the war, she emigrated to Canada as a War Bride, bringing her young daughter with her. The family's stay in Canada was shortened by the news from England that her father had died suddenly at age 48. They returned to England where she became a second mother to her younger siblings. In 1965 the family emigrated to Minnesota and a few years later, Mom and Dad returned to Winnipeg. During these years, Mom worked as a school secretary for River East School Division and later started a new career with Mary Kay Cosmetics, becoming one of the company's first sales directors in Canada. Following Dad's retirement and until his passing, they happily resided in Cobble Hill, BC. Mom returned to Winnipeg to be closer to her children. Mom was gifted with a beautiful singing voice and some of her happiest moments were spent using her talent to entertain others. She sang with numerous choirs and musical groups. She loved musical theatre, whether in the audience, performing or directing shows. She founded musical theatre groups at St. Stephen's Anglican Church, East Kildonan and St. John's Anglican Church, Cobble Hill. The shows brought music and laughter to many. At the time of her passing, Mom was president of the War Brides Association of Manitoba. She strongly believed that these ladies had contributed greatly to Canada's culture. One only had to know Mom for a short time to recognize how incredibly proud she was of her family; the slightest of their accomplishments brought her immense joy. We miss you Mom but in the moments of our deepest grief, we will hear your voice, singing a song to comfort us. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at St. James Anglican Church, 195 Collegiate St., Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 02, 2006