Mary Josephine Jackson

Mary Josephine Nolan Jackson (Mary-Jo), 73, of South Kingstown passed away on May 28, 2024. Mary-Jo was the beloved wife of W. Michael Jackson and the daughter of the late James and Gloria (Dinonsie) Nolan. She died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Mary-Jo grew up in Wakefield and attended St. Francis Catholic School and Elmhurst Academy. She attended Prout High School and was a member of the school’s first graduating class until her family moved to Napa, California. There, Mary-Jo received her high school diploma from Napa High School as a part of the Class of ‘69.

Mary-Jo excelled in her early childhood education classes at college and received a BS from UC Davis and an MS from Western Michigan University. Her love of children led to a very large family with first 7 biological children and then 30 adopted, mostly special needs children, from around the world (Russia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, China, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Vietnam, and the states of Texas and Indiana). She was honored as a Distinguished Alumni at Prout, as well as a Phi Beta Kappa member in college.

Mary-Jo's life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to her family, a commitment that earned her several accolades, including the Hanes Bravo Award, the Right to Life “Family of the Year” award in Indiana, and recognition with two appearances on the television show “48 Hours.”

Mary-Jo also had a deep love for 60's music, often filling the kitchen with nostalgic tunes as she prepared daily meals for up to 23 children at once. An avid reader, Mary-Jo devoured historical books, with a particular fondness for the works of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life; she possessed a profound knowledge of Catholic saints and frequently sought their guidance in times of need. She also cherished her Irish and Italian heritage, passionately researching her family's genealogy. Her life was enriched by these interests, which she lovingly shared with those around her.

In 2020, Mary-Jo fulfilled her long-held dream of returning to Rhode Island, a place that was always close to her heart even while she was living in different locations around the United States.

Besides her husband, Mary-Jo leaves behind her children: Patrick (wife Holly), Sara Norwood, Meg (husband Pete) Brewer, Timothy (wife Tanya), Paul (wife Cori), Erin (husband Mark) Thornton, Liam (wife Sharon), Clare, Daniel (wife Katie), Eileen, Rachel, Amy, Bryan, Thomas, Lucy, Gemma, Belinda, Colin, Jean, Kevin (wife Kezia), Owen, Josie, Rory, Brigid, Ross, Zoe, Mercy, Julianne, Fiona, Robert, Jacob, Jasmine (husband Robert) Rodriguez, Maria, Elijah, Orla, Luke, and Grace.

She also leaves behind her three siblings: James (wife Mary) Nolan, Margaret (husband Curt) Nolan Williams, and Elizabeth (husband James) Nolan Conners. In addition, Mary-Jo also leaves behind 26 grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on June 19, 2024, at 11 am in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 114 High St. South Kingstown, RI. Visitation will be held on June 19, 2024, from 9:30-10:30 am in Avery Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St. Wakefield, RI. Burial will be held at St. Francis Cemetery in South Kingstown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011,Washington, DC 20090-6011.