Obituary of Mary A. Jackson

Mary A. Jackson Mary A. Jackson, 80, of Bedford St., Rome, passed away Monday, November 12, 2007 with her loving family by her side at Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, after a brief illness. She was born on February 26, 1927 in Rome, New York, daughter of the late Stefano and Grace Stanisci LoRusso. She graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1945. Following high school, she was employed at SS Kresge 5&10 and Rome City Hall. After completing cosmetology school, she operated her own beauty salon. Mary found her love for dance as a student at the John Hayes ONeill Studio of Dance, where she later became an assistant instructor. After a courtship that began in the studio, Mary was united in marriage to Edmund J. Jackson on September 3, 1949 at Saint Peters Church, Rome, New York. Their blessed union of 56 years was filled with tremendous joy as they danced through life side-by-side until his passing in November of 2005. In December 1950, Mary began work at Griffiss Air Force Base where she was employed until 1970. From 1973 until her retirement in 1989, she worked as a Service Representative for the Social Security Administration. From 1991 until 2000, she worked as a Patient Representative for the Rome Memorial Hospital Business Office. Mary was a member of Saint Peters Church and a treasured volunteer at Rome Memorial Hospital Business Office and Rome Memorial Hospital Community Recovery Center. She served on the Rome Free Academy Class of 1945 Alumni Committee, the Rome Centennial Committee, The John Hayes ONeill Dance Guild, The John Hayes ONeill Stage Committee and was a former member of the Rome Community Theatre. One of Marys favorite pastimes was playing cards with family and close friends. An avid ballroom dancer, she enjoyed the arts tremendously especially music, theatre and dance. She never missed a performance of her daughters while she was a member of the Cleveland Ballet. Her deep love love and commitment kept her active in all facets of productions associated with the John Hayes ONeill Studio of Dance. Her dedication and spirit touched countless students and their families. Marys greatest passion remained her family and their aspirations and endeavors. Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Canan Jackson, Rome, and a daughter, Linda Jackson, of Cleveland, Ohio; two cherished grandchildren, Sean and Leyla Jackson; a sister and brother-in-law, Isabelle and Peter Corigliano and brother, Rinaldo LoRusso, all of Rome; brother-in-law, William Jackson, of Centreville, Virginia and sister-in-law, Hilda LoRusso, of Rome; many special nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by brothers, Ralph, Frank, Mathew, Anthony and Angelo LoRusso and sisters-in-law, Isabelle (Betty), Caroline and Katherine LoRusso and in-laws, Senol and Orhan Kadam. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 16, 2007 from the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 218 W. Court St., and Saint Peters Church at 2:00 p.m. where a mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Internment will follow at Saint Peters Cemetery. Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Thursday, November 15, 2007 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Marys name to the American Cancer Socirty, P.O. Box 22178 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123 or www.cancer.org; Saint Peters Church Memorial Fund, 105 E. Liberty Street, Rome, New York 13440; Rome Memorial Hospital Foundation, 1617 N. James Street, Suite 950, Rome, New York 13440 or Cleveland Clinic 800-223-2273 ext. 41245 or www.clevelandclinic.org/isupport The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff of Rome Memorial Hospital and the marvelous team at Cleveland Clinic led by Dr. David Vogt.