Jackson, Nancy Alden age 83, previously of Hoyt Lakes, MN, passed away at Mendakota Manor in Mendota Heights on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014. Preceded in death by husband Rev. Richard Jackson and parents Frank and Miriam Houghton. Survived by daughters Naomi Jackson (Anita Doyle), Martha Oppeneer (Steve), and Susanna Jackson; son Christopher Jackson (Val); grandchildren Sarah Oppeneer (Yoshi Nomura), Susan Duren (Andy), Katharine Oppeneer (Blake Pierce), Tyler Jackson and Seth Jackson, and many friends across the country. As an only child, Nancy's cousins were like siblings. Two of her cousins, John Hayward and Arthur Leland, have gone on ahead of her. Remaining to love and support her through her long illness and to carry her memory forward are Elizabeth Stirling, Louis Belknap, John Leland, Howard Leland, Oliver Hayward, and Susan Knapp. Nancy was an avid bird watcher, having set a personal record of seeing 306 species in Minnesota in one year. She was also a dedicated environmentalist, school bus driver, gardener, lay preacher, and church organist. She enjoyed being the wife of a minister, but, rather than being defined by the role, she defined the role. She hand-made ornaments for parishioners to take home at Christmas. She made many lifelong friends from different church parishes, and, incredibly, kept in touch with nearly all of them. Gathering at 10:00 am and memorial service at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 26, at Spirit of St. Stephen's Catholic Community, 2201 1st Ave. S., Minneapolis. Enter the central part of the building from the east or the west. In keeping with her interest in science, Nancy's body was donated to the University of Minnesota's Anatomy Bequest program. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Raptor Center, Audubon Center of the North Woods, Red Bird Mission, or an environmental organization of your choice.