It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Iona Evangeline
Jackson on November 21, 2022, at the age of 95. Iona was the muchloved
mom of Linda (Mike) Jackson, Randy Jackson and Clifford
(Jennifer) Jackson; Granny to Kyle, Graham (Tink), Cody (Christine),
Kirk and Katie (Braden) Jackson; GG to Taylor, Rhett, Carter,
Blake, Madison, Jordyn, Nolan and Jett Jackson and much-loved
aunty to many.
She was predeceased by her husband of over fifty years Murray Jackson,
her dearly loved sisters Doris (Jim) Griffith and Bert (Bill) Blakeman and
her parents Bill and Ruth Altwater.
Iona was born on September 7, 1927, in Bittern Lake, Alberta and
shortly after moving to Turner Valley where she grew up and went to
school. She graduated from the Calgary General Hospital’s Nursing
School and became a Registered Nurse and stayed in touch with her
nursing gal pals throughout her whole life and went to many reunions
together. After nursing school she met and married her person Murray,
they had three children and made a life and home together in Millarville
on the family ranch.
Iona had a wonderful time raising her family in the Millarville area. She
gained lifelong friends from both Millarville and the Black Diamond/
Turner Valley area and as far away as Australia where she maintained
a relationship with her childhood pen pal Shirley Hammond. She also
gained a large extended family in the Jacksons when she married
Murray and was very close to her sisters-in-law throughout her life.
She worked part time for Murray’s company doing the book keeping or
part time for her sister and brothers-in-law general store Blakeman’s
in Black Diamond. She and Murray did a great deal of travelling all
over the world which continued after Murray Passed. She continued to
travel with her friends and sisters-in-law throughout Europe Egypt, the
British Isles, Caribbean and a cruise through the Panama Canal. She was
also an avid golfer with her girlfriends and went out at least once a week.
Mom loved her pets. She always had a dog or two and cats well into
her golden years. She always enjoyed when dogs came to visit at the
lodge. She had a terrific quick, witty sense of humour and always had
family and the staff at the lodge on their toes laughing. She had a
wonderful life and was well loved by many. We will miss her dearly.
A memorial will be held at the Lewis Memorial United Church in
Turner Valley, 125 Royal Avenue N.W. at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday,
January 14, 2023. Reception/luncheon for the sharing of memories
to follow at the Royal Canadian Legion, 121 Sunset Blvd. East, Turner
Valley from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
AARCS (Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society);
c/o AARCS Safe Haven, 5060-74th Avenue S.E., Calgary,
Alberta, T2C 3C9. “Changing lives through kindness; a compassionate
world for all animals.” [email protected]
