Lorna Jackson-Hall

Lorna Elizabeth Jackson-Hall

March 17, 1948 – January 6, 2023

In her pragmatic and humble nature, Lorna did not want any fanfare about her passing. In lieu of a funeral or memorial service, we will celebrate her life in words.

Born March 17, 1948, Lorna Elizabeth Jackson was the second-born child to Annie Elizabeth Jackson (Norman) and Allan Albert Jackson of North Bay. She was a much-loved sister to Harold (Mary), Ken (Gail), Tom (Kathryn), and Jan (Joe).

Throughout her life, Lorna personified kindness and lived the values imparted upon her by her parents: family, charity, hard work and education. She inherited her mother’s creativity, compassion and resourcefulness, as well as her father’s entrepreneurial spirit.

She was never fond of the spotlight; instead opting to fulfill her life’s calling as a compassionate and responsible caregiver to many through quietly performed good deeds. She lived her life on her own terms with no regrets and an eternal optimism which benefited each person with whom she crossed paths.

Lorna obtained a degree in Home Economics from Brescia University College (Western) and her teaching degree from the University of Toronto. She graduated in 1973 and moved to Sundridge to begin a new chapter in her life as a teacher at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School. By all accounts she was loved by her students. She enjoyed making learning fun by bringing her sense of humour to her classroom. She saw the possibilities in everyone and wholeheartedly supported her students in making the most of their potential.

She married Garry Hall in 1977. In 1985, Lorna and Garry adopted their son, Gregory (Greg). She loved being a mom and relished in providing Greg with the same opportunities she had been given growing up. Together, they enjoyed many summers at their family cottage and then permanent home on Lake Bernard. After retiring from teaching in 2003, Lorna enjoyed wintering with Garry in Florida.

Her entrepreneurial spirit was strong. She found great joy in starting and running the Highland Christmas Craft Show for many years. In 1990, she purchased her first rental property and was excited at the prospect of being a landlord. Her company Allandale Holdings grew steadily over time under her leadership. She was proud of the business she built.

Lorna was practical in her view on life - accepting that one can only play the hand they are dealt. She played hers gracefully yet with tenacity. She was a force to be reckoned with. In 2013, she experienced sudden hearing loss. Although painful and frustrating, she persevered. In recent months, she experienced other medical difficulties which she met head-on and fought hard through. She is no longer in pain and now at peace.

A most heartfelt gratitude is extended to those who supported her in her last days when she was most in need. She was honoured by the care of her closest friends (some of whom were previous students) and felt undeserving but very grateful.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish to honour Lorna’s memory, we know she would appreciate acts of kindness: a good-natured gesture/deed and/or a donation to a favourite charity.

Lorna will be incredibly missed by her pets Lola and Lady B; her husband, Garry; son, Greg; sister and brothers; and her many nephews, nieces, students, cousins and friends.