Mary Ellen Jackson
July 12, 1936 - January 7, 2012
Obituary
Mary Ellen Jackson
Age 75, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2012 in Renton.
Mary is survived by her brother, John P. Skalbeck (Gloria) and niece Julie (Jeff) Levine of
St. Paul, MN, her daughters, Patti K. Jackson and Cyndie (John) Young. Mary’s grandchildren are Shana (Darrin) Stash and Zachary K. Young and great granddaughter Jennaraya Stash,
nephews, Greg (Deanna) Jackson and Brian (Wendela) Jackson and their children. She is also
survived by her stepchildren, Joe R. Jackson, Jr., Laverne Espindola and Lynn Reed and their children.
There will be a celebration of Mary’s life on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 1 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church at 19030 8th Ave S. in Seatac WA.
The family prefers memorial contributions be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Washington State University Athletic program, The American Lung Association or The USO.
The family has entrusted arrangements to BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac
You know there are stepmoms then there are stepmoms Mary was neither, she was always my mother I loved her like a son loves the woman who gave him life. Mary was that to me.
My first encounter with mom was the summer of 69 it had been 10 yrs since I last saw my dad and it was time to reconnect with him and my new mom oh yes plus 2 new sisters just when I thought I was getting away from sisters I run smack dab into 2 more. There you are five of us living in a 3 bedroom house sharing 1 bath you can only imagine the madness in that house. But we managed well. Here is mom now with a 16 yr old young man straight from Texas somewhat well mannered but not the Norwegian way. There are no words to describe the next 3 years only that they were some of the best years of my life. I learned how to cook better, clean better and most important study better, if I didn’t mother Mary or as she would like to call herself sometimes “the wicked witch of the northwest” would have not approved. I make light in these times of great loss to my sisters and me. Mom was a great lady well poised even on Saturday vacuuming the house in high heels because her feet would cramp up because wearing heels all week and that was the only way to relieve the cramps.
One summer when the family went on a summer trip I stayed home alone for 2 weeks BIG MISTAKE. I promised I would take care of the garden her beloved flowers all I had to do was water them and make sure they were still alive when she got home. They got home and the flowers were dead sort of let’s just stay that’s one of those days it was best to not be in the house. She did forgive me and since that day I have a great respect for roses and flowers thanks to her and the look I will never forget.
The last couple of times when I have come home to help her in her recoveries I did some pruning my way that is lower is better and boy did I lower them the pussy willow is still meowing. knowing that she won’t see what I did for at least a couple of weeks I was safe and they would have time to grow a little or not .but just as soon as I took her out she said to me you been at it again haven’t you? What could I say when the plant hanging over the carport is missing…. gee don’t know what happened to it. She would smile and shake her head.
At night was a different story there was a routine for us mom telling me that it’s time for tea and maybe a small dish of ice cream do you think you could make some for me Joey? She always called Joey when she wanted something and Joe Ross when I was deep poo.
There have been many such occasions for us that only a mother and a son can share and you dare not put your hands on her shoulders as you would be there till she said thank you or your hands cramped up.
43 years later we are at the fork of the road where our paths go one way and moms’ journey goes another. I know that she is happy that she is with our dad, her parents and all of those who have gone before her. Mom I love you just as much as the first day we met, Rest in peace mom for someday I too shall see you again.
Your loving Son
Joey
Mary was my frient and my sister.
Working we sometimes had differences of opinions and differences of understanding but it was always handled as friends. It took 2 days, from me giving my fare decision, to reprimand from mgmt, to clarification from General Office. Tho I won each interpretation, we continued to treat each other with respect – never a personal difference.
After we graduated to retirement, we became more like sisters. On occasion, I would drive Mary to her appointments that would be downtown.
We would go to the casino once a week. She would always win while I always lost.
After that ran it course, we started to go out to dinner about once a week, then daily. It was her way of getting out of the house. She didn’t gain weight but I did – and she always had dessert – here or to go- the richer the better.
She also volunteered to assist young readers, and they loved her. Mary’s reward is in heaven. The boys will be
thankful when they are successful in life.
I will always miss her.
I first met Mary when I was 20 years old and having a tough time finding my way. Mary and Joe brought me into the Jackson clan. I was just one of many kids over the years. that was given a safe place to talk,laugh and most of all how she loved sharing her Norweign culture.I love making Lefsa. I loved to make her laugh. I was welcomed into Sunday services .I enjoyed driving back to to the farm where she was raised for her mothers 90 birthday. Most of all she helped me grow up and to stick to ones pricipals. Love you Mary until we meet again
May you rest in peace.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mary when she came to our facility to receive therapy to get strong to go back home. She was always smiling and willing to try as much as she could, even when she had a tough day. One of my favorite patients to work with since I’ve been doing therapy. Thinking of you Cyndie & Patti!
For a long time I, among many others, had the pleasure of “Sharing the Peace” with Mary during Sunday morning worship service at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.
Death is an enemy that strikes at any time,any where,with any one, young or old.This was never Almighty God’s original purpose.However He has promised at John 5:28&29,that the hour is coming when all those in the memorial tombs will hear Jesus’ voice and come out to a life of eternal blessimgs.What great promise is set before each of us!
We will try and make this as short as possible as that’s what Mary would have wanted.
We all loved Mary and will always miss her.
Mary made it back to Minnesota for all the special family events and came back for vacations too.
We had a tradition with the Christmas box, Mary would send one from Seattle and we would send one from St. Paul.
Thank you Patti and Cyndie for always being there for your mother, as she was for you both.
We will always remember sharing good times, joys, and fun memories-these special things will always keep a loved one close. As Mary would have said, “It is what it is!”
You are missed! You did your job as wife, mother and friend exceedingly well. You have left behind a wonderful family and I know we shall see either other again in heaven.