Obituary of Karen Ann Jackson
Karen Ann Jackson, 74, of Killingly, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026 after a lifetime as a dedicated teacher, daughter, sister, and friend.
Born at Day Kimball Hospital July 27, 1951, Karen grew up in Rogers, attended Goodyear Grammar School and graduated Killingly High School in 1969. She received a Bachelor of Education from Southern Connecticut State University and Master of Education from Eastern Connecticut State University. Karen taught in the Killingly School system for more than thirty-five years, primarily at the elementary school level. She had a special place in her heart for all “her kids”. She spoke with them naturally and honestly, without judgment, and her personal contact was returned with smiles and admiration for “Miss Jackson”.
Throughout her career she worked to protect teachers’ rights and advocate for high quality public education. Karen served in several leadership positions in both the Killingly Education Association and the Connecticut Education Association, including as President and Chief Contract Negotiator of the KEA for many years. She also represented Windham County for several years on the CEA Board of Directors. In 1988 Karen was named Killingly Teacher of the Year.
With her humor, generosity, care and warmth Karen developed many lifetime friendships from childhood through college and her career. With friends she enjoyed international travel, attending theater and concerts, exploring local restaurants and delis, and the best bakeries of the region. Her friends sustained her and she, them. Her dogs were always constant companions and an important part of her life.
She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Josephine (Gawlik) Jackson, and her beloved niece and goddaughter Kathleen (Katie) Elizabeth Jackson. She is survived by her brothers and their spouses Joseph Jackson and Margaret Martin of Woodstock, Daniel and Sandra Jackson of Rogers, and by her best friend of almost 70 years, Jan Blanchette.
Friends and colleagues are invited to visit with Karen’s family at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home in Danielson on Saturday January 17 from 10:00 am with a prayer service at 11:00 am. Following the service, Karen will be buried next to Katie at St. Joseph’s Cemetery Dayville, weather permitting.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Karen Jackson Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut (cfect.org), to Friends of Assisi Food Pantry Danielson, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Share a memory at Gagnonandcostellofh.com