Eleanor "Ellie" Jackson

Eleanor “Ellie” Lucille Jackson (nee Pedry), age 93, passed away on Saturday September 14, 2024. She was born to the late Celeste and Aurelia Pedry in Lafferty, Ohio on October 12, 1930. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years Bernard (Bernie) Jackson Sr.; her son, Bernard Jr.; grandson, Daniel Jackson; daughter-in-law Peggy Jackson; and brothers John, Leo, and Julio Pedry.

Eleanor is survived by her children, Stephanie Nowak, John (Maryanne) Jackson, Tim Jackson, Karen (Dan) Dudley, Dorothy "Do" (Bob) Bair; daughter-in-law, Debbie Jackson; grandchildren, Matthew (Liz), Lindy (Nick), Emily (Ryan), Taylor (Jewel), Christopher (Ryan), Geoffrey, Jackson (Katie), Ruth (Baker), Carson, Emma (Juan), Sydney, Jordan, Courtney, Lindsey, Allison; great-grandchildren, Cheyann, Cheyenne, Jagger, Gunner, Kylie, Evelyn, Berns, Anthony, Russel, Bernard, Isabel, Vale, Locke; numerous nieces and nephews; and special family friend Janie Maccabee.

Ellie graduated from Saint Francis School of Nursing in 1951 and was a retired employee of St. Anthony (now Ohio State East) Hospital, in Columbus, OH. Together Ellie and Bernie were members of Saint James the Less Catholic Church, until his death in 2019. She continued as a member of the parish for a total of 67 years.

Ellie was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Every time a new child or grandchild entered her life, she was amazed at how her love for her family grew to include each new member and she had no favorites. Ellie loved all her children and grandchildren equally and appreciated each one’s unique qualities and interests.

Ellie and Bernie were devoted to each other and to family. Their relationship was an example not only of a strong marriage but of a true partnership. They shared the financial and family duties including cooking and childcare. Ellie was intelligent and curious. In quiet moments she could be found reading and she was interested in her children’s schoolwork and activities.

As her children grew and became more independent Ellie was able to engage in nursing full-time. Most of her years at St. Anthony / OSU East were in the Emergency Department where she was valued by her coworkers for both her technical skills (starting those difficult IVs) and her human care skills (relaying information to families when the news was hard.)

After retirement Ellie volunteered in the Parish Nurse program and as a greeter at St. James the Less Catholic Church where she welcomed people, old comers and newcomers, at the door as they arrived for Mass. She frequently provided transportation to doctor appointments and grocery trips to relatives and neighbors. In addition to transportation, she provided companionship and conversation. She volunteered to take part in the Women’s Health Initiative. Ellie was placed in the group that was tasked with maintaining a very low-fat diet for 10 years. She accepted the challenge of learning to adapt recipes and happily shared information and zookies with family. Ellie also volunteered for several years at OSU Medical Center Main Library where her nursing background was applied in helping patients’ families find information on diagnoses, conditions, and treatments.

Ellie was available to everyone with a sympathetic ear and wise advice, and she treated everyone she encountered with kindness and respect. As a result, she was loved by everyone who knew her. Even during her years at The Grove as her memory and communication skills declined, she was appreciated by the staff and other residents. The family is grateful to the staff at The Grove for the last three and a half years of loving care they provided Ellie. It was a blessing for all the family.

Ellie’s life is an example that you do not have to become rich and famous to make the world a better place. Ellie’s kindness, care, and respect made life a little better for everyone who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Sunday October 6 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 N. High St. Funeral mass will be 10:00 am Monday October 7 at St. James the Less Catholic Church, 1652 Oakland Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the food pantry at St. James (St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. James, 1652 Oakland Park Ave, Columbus, OH 43224).