Obituary for Kathryn (Barbara) Jackson
January 18, 1938 – November 3, 2022
Barbara Jackson of Richboro, PA went home to be with the Lord on November 3, 2022. Barbara was the third of four beautiful daughters born to Emmett and Kathryn Sheridan of Ashley, PA (Wilkes Barre). Barbara enjoyed a lively and loving family life. She met and married the first love of her life Jerome (Jerry) Cianfrini. After marrying, she relocated to Philadelphia where she completed her Registered Nursing Program at Northeastern Hospital and began an impressive career that lasted 40 years. Barbara and Jerry were blessed with four wonderful children – Kathleen, Jerome, Gregory, and Laureen. Barbara spent most of her nursing career working the night shift. Her healing hands went wherever needed in every department of the hospital. She came to the aid of neighbors and kids when she happily welcomed anyone who needed medical advice to her Philadelphia home. We joked that she was the first minute clinic for the neighborhood, with her calm and reassuring way of bandaging scraped knees and arms and soothing little one’s fears.
In 1978 she was offered a managerial position in the Utilization Review Department. She said goodbye to shift work in favor of day work with weekends off so she could spend more quality time with her family. She retired her nursing uniform in favor of fashionable suits and heels and relished this new phase of her career. Barbara continued her education and received a certification for her new position, and was known as a hardworking, dedicated professional, who was highly respected by doctors and colleagues alike. Barbara and Jerry’s dream to move to the suburbs was realized when the family moved to Cornwells Heights, PA (Bucks County) in 1978, but life would take an unexpected turn when her devoted husband, Jerry, died suddenly in 1982. Barbara was left bereft and grieving. It was the love and support of Barbara’s family and friends that carried her through those difficult years. Barbara leaned heavily on her Catholic faith and never lost hope.
The twinkle would soon return to Barbara’s eyes and life began anew when she met and married the second love of her life Dr. Charles (Charlie) Jackson in 1988. Barbara and Charlie honeymooned in Italy and enjoyed many years travelling the world together on fun new adventures as husband and wife. Barbara and Charlie were lucky enough to have an audience with Pope John Paul II while in Italy and it was a very profound and moving experience for them. Inspired by the love of their Catholic Faith and charitable giving, they embarked on becoming Eucharistic Ministers at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and were regular church volunteers in various ministries for many happy years. Barbara was awarded a Legion of Honor Membership by the Chapel of Four Chaplains in Philadelphia in recognition of service to all people regardless of race or faith.
Barbara was a huge animal lover and together she and Charlie rescued and cared for their three long haired Chihuahuas and one Morris look-alike Persian cat. They were known for their fragrant and colorful rose gardens at their home which they tended lovingly and meticulously. Barbara painted many beautiful ceramics pieces which have been displayed in the family homes or given to friends. Through the years, Barbara gave her counsel and support to many people and was a kind and generous friend to those that needed her. Barbara liked to have Masses said for family and friends and made regular donations to her favorite charities. She was a giver and loved to please her family and friends.
In 2001, Barbara felt retirement calling at the age of 62. Charlie had already retired years earlier. Barbara’s joy was complete when God blessed her with two precious grand-daughters born in July and December of that year. Four years later she would welcome an adorable grandson. Her life was complete. Barbara and Charlie were the most loving and involved Grammy and Grampy any grandchild could wish for. Together they instilled a love of faith and family for many special occasions big and small. Fun family vacations took place during those years and the children grew up in front of Charlie and Barbara’s eyes and under their loving guidance and care.
Barbara was known for her love of decorating and baking, making her holiday specialties like Christmas nut bread and pizzelles. She was a collector of Lenox and gave them as gifts. The holidays were extra special and she couldn’t wait to decorate her home and welcome her family and friends. There was always an extra seat or two at Mom’s table and a delicious meal waiting to be served. She was QVC’s favorite customer, even had them on speed dial, and the family joked she was on a first name basis with the UPS drivers. Barbara had a love of fashion, shoes, and jewelry and loved showing off her new outfits and accessories and was one elegant lady. She could be comfortable dressing up or down, but loved being on Charlie’s arm for a special occasion or family party. She took pride in her Irish heritage, and her wit and sense of humor were always on display. She was a faithful viewer of the Catholic mass on EWTN nightly and on occasions when she could not attend mass. Her prayer life was especially significant to her and she had quite the collection of relics, statues, prayers, rosaries, and her devotion to her Catholic faith was truly inspiring. She had a fervent love for the Blessed Mother, Saint Padre Pio, Saint Theresa the little flower, and Saint Katharine Drexel. Barbara’s fierce love and devotion to her family and friends was an inspiration to behold and she relished her matriarchal position within the family. She was our Queen and anchor. As she often said “you only have one mother”.
In 2019 Barbara and Charlie relocated to Richboro to live with daughter Kathy who with her life partner, Jack, lovingly cared for them. Sadly, Charlie, our dear step-dad, passed away in February 2022. Barbara’s health was changing, she fought hard, but the fight was not hers to win. We pray that God welcomed her into his kingdom of angels and saints where she will live forever in eternal life of peace and joy. Barbara often was heard saying “you cannot outgive God” and “my next home will be a mansion”.
Barbara is survived by her four cherished and devoted children – Kathleen (Jack), Jerome (Melissa), Gregory, and Laureen (Geff) and her three fun loving grandchildren – Elena Katharine, Kayla Ashley, and Collin Geffrey, her dearest sisters, Nancy and Beth, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. She had many loving and caring friends throughout the years, and several of them looked up to her as a mother figure. Barbara will be remembered for so many good reasons, as she was just a great human being and was a wonderful role model to all who met her. She will be greatly missed as a strong, intelligent, gentle woman of faith. We know we will see her again in eternity and it gives us peace she has reunited with Charlie, Dad, and dear family and friends who went before her. Barbara knew cardinals were a sign of a loved one’s whisper from heaven, so when you see one, think of her. If you see a perfect rose, think of her.
Relatives and friends are invited on Friday, November 11, 2022 for a viewing and funeral mass at St. Bede the Venerable Church, 1071 Holland Road, Holland PA for viewing at 10:00 am and mass starting at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 5201 Hulmeville Road in Bensalem, PA. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Barbara’s name to The Association of the Miraculous Medal, 1811 W. Saint Joseph Street, Perryville, Missouri 63775-1598. A link to the mass can be found on the funeral home website for those who may not be able to attend. www.tomlinsonfh.com