Rosanne W. Jackson

Rosanne passed away peacefully on August 31, 2016. She was born November 15, 1935 in Oakland California, to Russell and Ruby Wahlgren.

Rosanne attended Pasadena City College and obtained her Bachelors degree at Redlands University, meeting and then marrying Thomas C. Jackson at the beautiful all-glass Wayfarers Chapel on the coast in Palos Verdes, CA. They both attended Stanford University where she obtained her Masters degree in Education and they began their family, moving to Portland Oregon, and to Salt Lake City in 1967. They later divorced and Rosanne devoted her life toward working to improve and enhance children's education and lives. Rosanne had a long and successful career starting as an elementary school teacher in California, Oregon, and Utah. She worked as Director of Title One, as well as Language Arts/Reading Specialist for the SLC School District. She was Principal at Rose Park Elementary School from 1986-2003, when she then retired. While at Rose Park, and gaining partnership with the University of Utah and other community organizations, she spearheaded and fearlessly pioneered forth the creation of the first community learning center which included a school-based community medical clinic that continues to this day, and which became the model for others to follow. She loved and was passionate about her work and her vision of what was possible. Every child mattered, with no child left behind – that was her heart, spirit and soul. After she retired, Rosanne volunteered at the Assistance League holding positions of store manager and vice president of programs.

A strong and skillful yet gentle leader, Rosanne was also a beautiful, smart, fiercely independent, often stubborn, kind, funny, giving, exceedingly generous, caring and compassionate woman, and one who enjoyed hosting a good party. She was always willing to take on the more challenging jobs, and left her footprint in this world.

She is survived by her daughter Cheryle; son Mark; her sister Marlene Kneidl (WA); extended family and many friends; and her cat Chi who rarely left her side providing comfort to the end. She is preceded in death by her only grandson Dylan, whom she loved beyond measure.

Much gratitude and many thanks to her caregiver Jayne, Beehive Senior Care, the staff at Sunrise at Holladay Senior Living, and everyone at Inspiration Hospice and Home Health who attended to her, for all the amazing love and care. Thank you All. Rosanne, you are loved and will be greatly missed. You were inspiring and made a difference in countless lives. May you fly with angels now, and rest in blessed peace, lovely lady.

A gathering to remember Rosanne will be held on Monday, Septmeber 19th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building. Online condolences may be offered and a tribute video may be viewed at www.starksfuneral.com

Donations can be made to the Assistance League, to any organization that helps disadvantaged children, or to an animal rescue organization of choice.