Helen Ross Jackson RN

Beginning in the summer of 2001, Helen began the long, slow decline into Alzheimer's, that some refer to as "the long goodbye". She was born April 23, 1920 in Cass City, MI, to John and Bridget Ross on their family farm along with 10 siblings. A graduate of Mercy College, Detroit, MI, with a Registered Nursing degree; Helen used those skills caring for her father John as well as working as a nurse in industry during WWII. She met her future husband, William D. Jackson, DDS, at a dance in Port Huron and was married October 16, 1947. They enjoyed dancing throughout their 63 year marriage. Helen Jackson delighted in raising her four children first in Michigan and then in Boca Raton, FL. Helen was a loving, fair and exceptional mother and told her children often how proud she was of us. Helen's second career was as owner/manager of University Travel from 1964-1986 in Boca Raton, FL. Along with building a successful business she traveled the world as part of her working experience. She was known for her attention to detail, travel knowledge and personal service. Helen is survived by her brothers Ed Ross (Jackie), Fred Ross (Shirley), sister Francis Flynn (John) sister-in-law Loretta Ross and brother-in-law Larry Steeh; all living in Michigan. She is also survived by her four children Diane Lindsay (John), Bill R. Jackson (Carol), Pam Shamel (Rick), and David C. Jackson (Marion), her eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Family will receive friends Saturday, November 6, 2010 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Babione East Funeral Home, 1100 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton FL 33432. Memorial Service will be at 3 p.m. and reception at 4 p.m. at Babione East. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Louis & Anne Green Memory & Wellness Center (www.fau.edu/memorywellnesscenter/).