Published in the October 19, 2018 edition
MELROSE — Barbara Ann Jackman, 90, of Melrose, formerly of Stoneham, died peacefully on Monday, October 15, 2018 at her home with her family by her side.
Barbara was born in Winchester on July 26, 1928 to Matilda (Blout) Foley and John J. Foley. Barbara grew up in Stoneham and attended Saint Patrick’s Parochial Schools. Barbara was a graduate of Saint Patrick High School, Class of 1946, where she formed many life-long friendships. When she was in high school, while working at Liggetts Drug Store and Soda Fountain in Melrose, she met the love of her life, Frank “Snook” Jackman. They were married at Saint Patrick Church on April 19, 1952 and settled in Melrose in 1962 where they raised two daughters, Ann and Mary Jane.
Barbara was a kind and loving mother, and grandmother, with a huge heart. Her friendships extended decades and were true and deep. To those less fortunate, friend or stranger, Barbara always gave generously, and with kindness.
Her career included being a buyer for the cosmetics department at Filene’s in downtown Winchester in the 50’s and 60’s, and worked for Touraines in Stoneham in the 70’s. She also organized and narrated fashion shows for churches and charities across the northshore in 1970’s, through Touraines store. Her fondness for fashion never faded. In the 1980’s she helped her husband run Jackman Brothers Roofing which was based first in the South End of Boston, then later in South Boston. Barbara and Snook loved to dance and sing, and hosted numerous parties throughout the years, ranging from Saint Patrick’s Day parade parties at the roofing shop, to house parties with entertainment from their jukebox.
In her later years she was a volunteer at the Stoneham Theatre. Barbara spent several years as a resident of Sancta Maria Nursing Facility in Cambridge, where she received compassionate and loving care.
Barbara was pre-deceased by her husband, Frank J. “Snook” Jackman (2006), and her brother John J. Foley, Jr. (1980) and numerous sister-in laws and brother-in laws. Barbara is survived by daughters Ann Jackman of Melrose, and her partner John Giannetto, and Mary Jane Nottonson and her husband Jeffrey Nottonson of Addison, Vt. (formerly of Acton, Mass.). Barbara is also survived by four grandchildren, Kaitlyn Mulcahy of Melrose, and Lewis Nottonson, Rebecca Nottonson and Emily Nottonson.
Her funeral will be held from the McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Home, 322 Main St., Stoneham on Friday, Oct. 19 at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Patrick Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham at 10 a.m. Interment, Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Visitation for relatives and friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-8 p.m.
Memorial contributions in Barbara’s name may be made to The Bread of Life, 54 Eastern Ave., Malden, MA 02148.
