Mary Jackson

Mary Clare Jackson, 80, of Chicago, formerly of Springfield, IL, passed away peacefully February 17, 2026.

Born in Benton Harbor, MI, to Robert and Lucille Nolan, Mary was raised in Rockford, IL and graduated from East High School before earning her Bachelor's in History from Western Michigan University and her Master's in Chemistry from Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois, Springfield).

One of her great passions in life was teaching chemistry, which she did for 20 years at Springfield High School, winning "Educator of the Year" in 1994 awarded by the Golden Apple Foundation. Mary also taught Sunday School at First United Methodist Church for many years. One could say that God and Chemistry were two of her favorite things, though Mary was also an avid reader, tootsie-roll fanatic, and loving cat owner.

Mary was a devoted mother of the late Jeanne Richter and Jillyn (Michael) O'Shea of Chicago and Jamie (Brian) Douglas of Appleton, WI. She also relished her role as Grandma to her six grandchildren.

Mary is also survived by her brother Frank Nolan of Lancaster, OH and her former spouse James (Darleen) Jackson of Broomfield, CO.

Future Burial of cremated remains at Arlington Memorial Park in Rockford. Check back to this website for details.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Springfield Public Schools Foundation (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WUAY4D97M6MJG) or to any local public school.

Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.inclusivefuneralcare.com