Jane Gray Jackman (nee Mealy), age 94, beloved widow of Robert Hollis Jackman, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024, in Storrs, Connecticut. She was born on Feb 26, 1929 in Watertown, Massachusetts, to the late Joseph Henry Mealy and Carolyn Lee Hubert. 

Jane graduated from Lexington High School in 1946. Two years later, she married Bob on July 17, 1948. She graduated from Northeastern University in 1951, and received her master’s degree from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1974. Before moving to Alaska in 1978, she worked for Head Start with early childhood development in Willimantic, Connecticut. 

Jane and Bob lived in Copper Center, Alaska, as well as Tanana, Nome, and Valdez, for decades. She was an avid gardener, quilter, cook/baker and bird lover. She was also a dedicated caregiver to Bob. They moved back to Storrs in December 2010. Jane enjoyed being an active member of the Glen Ridge community since March 2011. 

Jane is survived by her son, Paul Jackman with wife Carol and daughters Amy (Andrew Duckett) and Tiffany (Jeffery West); daughter-in-law, Ione Jackman and son Gregory; five wonderful great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by all of us, as well as all her extended family throughout the country and many friends from Alaska and the Glen Ridge community.

Jane is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Hollis Jackman; and son, John Jackman. 

Jane’s ashes will be scattered at noon on Friday, January 26, 2024, contingent upon weather, with family and friends at the Riverside Cemetery by the Fenton River off Gurleyville Road in Mansfield, Connecticut. A reception will follow. Jane and Bob’s ashes will also be scattered in Alaska at a ceremony during summer 2024. 

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Potter Funeral Home to be forwarded to Ione Jackman for a planned memorial at Glen Ridge.