Mary Jeanne Jackson

Mary "Jeanne" Hanley Jackson was born on August 26, 1925 in Lawrence, Kansas. She was the daughter of famed football coach Richard E. Hanley and Ada St. Peter. Jeanne died peacefully at her home on September 8, 2013, surrounded by her family. She was 88. Jeanne spent her childhood in Evanston, Illinois, eventually moving on to Bellevue, Washington and Los Altos, California before finally settling in Aptos where she lived for the last 43 years. Jeanne loved entertaining her many friends and relatives. She was known for her legendary cooking, which was always seasoned and served perfectly. She was dubbed The Tastemaker, The Hostess with the Most-ess, The Original Martha Stewart, and The Queen Mother. When she was not cooking, decorating, entertaining, or shopping for the perfect gift, Jeanne was a devoted sports fan and spent many years cheering from the sidelines for her children and grandchildren. Jeanne possessed an extraordinary sense of style. Her remarkable ability to dress for every occasion always seemed effortless. She also had very strong opinions on taste and style; it was a well-known fact that Jeanne hated the color purple almost as much as she hated paper plates. Of course, Jeanne was more than just a pretty face with strong opinions and impeccable taste; she was witty, dazzlingly charming, and sassy. She was a force to be reckoned with, yet still humble and generous. She had a special way of giving clever compliments, enthusiastic applause, and adoring smiles. Her sincere admiration and approval for her friends and family was genuine and relentlessly encouraging. Known as "Nana" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jeanne loved frequent visits and phone calls. She insisted on staying well-informed on the details of all 15, and she was always ready for them with a hug and a snack (or a four-course meal). Jeanne will be missed by her children: Kip (Gail), K.C. (Alexis), and Susi; 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Robert, Patricia and Richard; and her beloved daughter Kimberly Francis. The incomparable Jeanne (Mom, Nana, Queen Mother) will always be remembered for her fierce determination, unwavering dedication, and unsurpassed love for her family. A celebration of Jeanne's life will be held Monday, September 23, 2013, at 3:00pm at The Coastlands Church, 280 State Park Drive, Aptos, CA. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066.