Theresa Jackson

Peacefully, with her family by her side, Theresa Jackson passed away at the Douglas Campbell Lodge, at the age of 78.

Theresa was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Johnny Jackson in 2018. She is also predeceased by her brothers and sisters Claudette Andrushuk, Andrew,  Jeanne, Peter and Romeo Morisseau; brothers and sisters-in-law George Andrushuk, Don Riggs, Dorothy and Ken Hannah, Ralph and Donald Jackson and Joe Warren.

Left to cherish her memory are sons Clint and Eddie (Kandee); grandchildren Morgan (Brad), Mackenzie (Carter), Ashley, Autumn and Winter; daughters-in-law Laura and Randean; sisters Lyla Thevanot, Alice Riggs and Madeline Provo; brothers and sisters-in-law Gordon, Ethel, Christine, Malcolm and Margaret-Ann Jackson, Marjorie Warren, Janey and Bob Denault, Louise Morisseau and Myrna Murray; special niece Stella Dyck and dear friend Gloria Nagy. Theresa was Auntie, Godmother, cousin, and friend to many, all of whom she loved dearly.

Theresa was born on December 5, 1943, to Andrew and Josephine Morisseau in Haywood, Manitoba.  She was raised with her siblings at the farm and received her education at Bazin School. The family continued making memories together gathering almost every summer for family reunions.  She treasured her siblings and always looked forward to their next gathering; she was the life of the party with her contagious laugh and playful nature. Each summer, she cherished the fun-filled extended visits with sister Jeanne. Together they gardened, cooked, pickled, and laughed. They welcomed and shared with everyone who came along.

In 1961, Theresa married her beloved Johnny, and together they raised their sons in the home that they built in Layland, Manitoba. Her handsome boys were everything to her, and being their Mom was the most important job she would ever have. In addition to raising two busy boys, Theresa made many friends working in Portage at the Holiday Retreat, Arthur Meighen Highschool and McCains. She went on to own and operate the Haywood Café, where she made many more memories doing what she loved best – feeding people and making them feel at home.

Then came her pride and joy, her grandchildren, none of whom could do any wrong in her eyes. The one rule at Gramma’s, was that there were no rules at Gramma’s. She loved nothing better than playing and laughing with one or all of them. She loved to brag about them any chance she got, and she beamed with pride at all their accomplishments – big or small. They won’t ever forget her famous pickles, her adventurous spirit, her infectious cackle, or her mischievous winks. Most important, they will never forget the love they got from their Gramma.

Theresa was truly one of a kind. To know her was to love her, and we will all miss her dearly. The family would like to sincerely thank all the staff at the Douglas Campbell Lodge for taking such good care of our Mom and Gramma – she enjoyed her time at the Lodge and made many new friends.

A private celebration of Theresa’s life will be held at a later date at her home.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Theresa’s memory to the Douglas Campbell Lodge Foundation, c/o Portage District General Hospital, 150-9th St.SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3T6.

Grandma had a garden in her backyard

She always had a way with things that grow

She'd be out there early in the springtime

Just as soon as she was sure it wouldn't snow

She said, “I like to watch the seeds I've planted

Grow up into what they ought to be”

I thought she was talking about tomatoes

But she was talkin' about her family

Grandma's garden, it grew up strong

'Cause she weeded out whatever could go wrong

She would say,” the straight and narrow is the toughest row to hoe

Just remember what you reap is what you sow”

Grandma's love is what made Grandma's garden grow

I went to church last Sunday morning

The same one she attended sixty years

They asked me if I'd say some words about her

And I got up fightin' back tears

And I said, I used to watch her rake the rocks out

And tie up every vine with love and care

That a little piece of Gramma taught me some lessons

And without her I'd never have a prayer

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com