Carol "Susie" Sue Jackson

Carol Sue “Susie” Jackson, 84, passed away in her home on May 6, 2019 surrounded in love by her family.  To say Susie Jackson was a “force” was understating her.  Those who found themselves in her orbit, even for a short time, will never forget her.  Sue loved people and she embraced life.  Sue Sjostrom was born on June 15, 1935 to Irene and Conny Sjostrom of Rockford IL.  She met and married her best friend and partner in love and laughter, BJ Jackson, on January 15, 1957. 

Sue and BJ had three daughters, Sherrie (Paul) Robb, Karen (Joe) Siracusano and Mary (Jim) McPhetridge, grandchildren; Nate (Toni Loafman) Robb, Hannah Robb, Nicholas (Elyse Duncan) Robb, Michael (Tina Carson) Kelly, Steven (Katie) Kelly, Anna Kelly, Kate (Ben) Richmond and Andrew McPhetridge; great- grandchildren;  Mila Robb, Shea Loafman, William and Walker Duncan, Marcella Kelly, and Parker and Riley Carson.  Sue fiercely loved her girls and her grandchildren and each carry some special trait that is uniquely from her.  Sue is also survived by her sister Marji Sjostrom, her lifelong sidekick in many memorable family tales. She had very special relationships with her nieces and nephews and dearly loved every one of her large extended family. 

Sue found no greater joy then when she was with her family. Sue also had many close long-time friends and neighbors she loved and considered family. She was a giving, energetic volunteer her entire adult life, especially in her church, but was also involved in many community activities in many roles throughout her life. Sue wasn’t afraid to take a leadership position when needed or work on the front line to get things done. She loved volunteering with the theater when BJ was in shows and even found her place on the stage with BJ in productions of South Pacific and Sound of Music.  She was a huge fan of the Starlight Theater and faithfully held season tickets and attended regularly until her passing. Sue had an admirable 36 years of sobriety and lived a life of recovery that supported and inspired many others on the same journey.  

A celebration of Susie’s life will be held at 11 am, Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 North 1st St., with family greeting friends and visitors prior to the service from 10:00-10:30 a.m.  A reception lunch will immediately follow the service at the church.  Please bring your sense of humor with your Kleenex! Susie Jackson didn’t live one day without finding something she could laugh about, even when things were at their most difficult.  You are also encouraged to wear something pink – Sue’s absolute favorite color. 

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