Name: Memorial Gathering for Rosanne W. Jackson
Start: 2016-09-20T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-09-20T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Starks Funeral Parlor

Rosanne W. Jackson
1935 - 2016
Rosanne passed away peacefully on August 31, 2016. She was born November 15, 1935 in Oakland California, to Russell and Ruby Wahlgren.
Rosanne attended Pasadena City College and obtained her Bachelors degree at Redlands University, meeting and then marrying Thomas C. Jackson at the beautiful all-glass Wayfarers Chapel on the coast in Palos Verdes, CA. They both attended Stanford University where she obtained her Masters degree in Education and they began their family, moving to Portland Oregon, and to Salt Lake City in 1967. They later divorced and Rosanne devoted her life toward working to improve and enhance children's education and lives. Rosanne had a long and successful career starting as an elementary school teacher in California, Oregon, and Utah. She worked as Director of Title One, as well as Language Arts/Reading Specialist for the SLC School District. She was Principal at Rose Park Elementary School from 1986-2003, when she then retired. While at Rose Park, and gaining partnership with the University of Utah and other community organizations, she spearheaded and fearlessly pioneered forth the creation of the first community learning center which included a school-based community medical clinic that continues to this day, and which became the model for others to follow. She loved and was passionate about her work and her vision of what was possible. Every child mattered, with no child left behind - that was her heart, spirit and soul. After she retired, Rosanne volunteered at the Assistance League holding positions of store manager and vice president of programs.
A strong and skillful yet gentle leader, Rosanne was also a beautiful, smart, fiercely independent, often stubborn, kind, funny, giving, exceedingly generous, caring and compassionate woman, and one who enjoyed hosting a good party. She was always willing to take on the more challenging jobs, and left her footprint in this world.
She is survived by her daughter Cheryle; son Mark; her sister Marlene Kneidl (WA); extended family and many friends; and her cat Chi who rarely left her side providing comfort to the end. She is preceded in death by her only grandson Dylan, whom she loved beyond measure.
Much gratitude and many thanks to her caregiver Jayne, the staff at Sunrise at Holladay Senior Living, and everyone at Inspiration Hospice and Home Health who attended to her, for all the amazing love and care. Thank you All. Rosanne, you are loved and will be greatly missed. You were inspiring and made a difference in countless lives. May you fly with angels now, and rest in blessed peace, lovely lady.
A gathering to remember Rosanne will be held on Monday, Septmeber 19th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building. Online condolences may be offered and a tribute video may be viewed at www.starksfuneral.com
Donations can be made to the Assistance League, to any organization that helps disadvantaged children, or to an animal rescue organization of choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Sep. 11, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Rosanne Jackson

Sponsored by Starks Funeral Parlor.

6 Entries

Mary Akers

January 2, 2017

Rosanne was the best principal I have ever worked for. Her heart was always in the right place, and she was a champion of the underdog. In my time working at Rose Park, I grew to love her, both as a person and as a role model. It was my immense pleasure to make her the host of Rose Park's very own Weakest Link episode when she retired. It was so great to see her have fun and hear her infectious laugh.
I was so sorry that I didn't hear of her passing until after her funeral. She is never far from my thoughts while I'm at work. The time I spent at Rose Park with her has left me thinking, "What would Rosanne do?" when I get into some sticky situations.
I'm sure she is working with whatever children she can find in heaven. She was always their angel.

Ginny Benson

September 12, 2016

I've always called Rosanne "Mama Bear"because of the way she stood up for her teachers and students. I appreciate the way she would"tell it like it is," giving constructive criticism and great advice. Her unique personality is something I loved and will never forget. My family and I have great memories of Rosanne and will always love her.

JenaV Adams

September 11, 2016

What an honor it was to have known her. She was our principal at Rose Park Elementary. Always so willing and eager to help us. She even gave us incentives to get good grades. Took us to fancy dinners and made sure we knew she was cheering us on. She taught me to believe in my dreams and that anything you put your mind to is within reach. My condolences to her family and friends. She was an amazing woman with a heart of gold.

Machelle Dahl

September 11, 2016

Rosanne was a true advocate for children and their families. She worked hard to build the community center at Rose Park Elemtary. She loved what she did. She loved her own children more than life.She was a good person. I was one who directly benefitted from her generous belief in me.

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Claar Runyan

September 11, 2016

As a similarly stubborn, independent, and high spirited girl we spent many hours together in the principal's office. It always felt like I was meeting her for tea more than discipline. We tugged each other's hair a bit when our path's crossed during the week and she spoiled me with troll dolls on occasion reminding me I would figure this whole fitting into the world thing out eventually, in the meantime I was liked and respected just how I was. It meant a great deal to me when she made it to my wedding reception years later. I will look forward to the sound of her fast-paced stride in heels again one day. Condolences from my family to your's, I am thankful for her efforts and out of the box thinking to help me become the woman I am today. -Claar Jackman Runyan

Bev Schoen

September 11, 2016

Rosanne Jackson, what a grand lady! I was saddened to hear of her passing. She hired me back in 1978 to be one of her reading teachers at Washington Elementary, giving this green teacher a chance. And, oh, yes, Rosanne could put on a elegant party!! May your memories comfort you at this time.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results