Jean Jackson

Jean C. Jackson was born on June 13, 1934 in Lindsay, Nebraska and passed away peacefully on Friday, September 27, 2019 at the age of 85.   She was a devoted Air Force wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all.

Jean met her husband Robert (Bob) in Omaha, Nebraska when he was a young airman in the Air Force.  He immediately fell in love with her and they married in 1952.  Robert and Jean transferred to Kirtland Air Force Base in 1973 and decided to make Albuquerque their permanent home.  Jean was a natural born nurturer and tended to all generations of children in her family.  She did her best to attend every ceremony, every baseball game, every graduation and anything in-between.  Jean had a unique love for each of us and took great pride in her family.

Jean will be remembered as the life of the party who loved to have a good time whether it was playing a fun family game of Poker, LCR, or just trying her luck at the casinos.  Hobbies included crocheting blankets and scarves, and designing sweatshirts.  Jean was the special grandmother that most families wish for: loving, caring, intelligent and giving.  The Jackson family and all the families that blossomed from her loving touch will never forget her. We will cherish the memories made along the way knowing that heaven has gained another smiling face with a golden heart.

Jean is preceded in death by her husband Robert L. Jackson, parents William and Regina Coldwell, sisters Ruthie, Rose, Angie, Mary; brothers Leo and Henry, grandson Anthony Salazar and Chris Hill (Stacy’s husband).

Jean is survived by 6 children, Dave, Steve (Mary), Vicki (Elmo), John (Laura), Jim (Gloria) and Susan; 5 grandchildren, Jennifer (Rocky), Tommy (Becci), Stacy, James (Shay) and Robert; 6 great-grandchildren (her “Angels in the Outfield”), Gavin, Garrett, Ryne, Zarina, Merrick, and soon to be born, Zayden.  Jean is also survived by her step-grandchildren, Tina, Beverly, Angie (son Dexter), brother-in-law Bernie Zelasney, and sister-in-law Marge Peterson as well as many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

A Rosary will be recited by the Altar Rosary Society at 9:30 a.m. with a Funeral Mass to follow at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2019 at Holy Ghost Church, 833 Arizona SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108.  A reception will be held immediately following the Mass at Strong-Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal SE, Albuquerque, NM to celebrate Jean’s life.  Burial will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 9:45 am.

Pallbearers: Tommy Maestas, James Salazar, Robert Maestas, Gavin Sanchez, Rocky Sanchez, and Steve Crane.  Honorary Pallbearers:  Garrett Sanchez, Ryne Maestas, Merrick Hill, Dexter Gutierrez.