Judith Leigh Jackson
Judith Leigh Jackson was born to Donald T. Jackson and Susan L. Kremer-Jackson on November 16, 1954, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
She passed peacefully on July 8, 2023, with her family and her beloved 17-year-old dog Buttons at her side in Concord, California.
The third of four children, Judy attended San Marcos High School and Santa Barbara City College.
Judy was a hard worker at any job or task she took on. A long-time waitress at Frimple’s and a grocery clerk, she earned devotion from customers and coworkers alike. She was admired for her smile and her quiet, gentle nature.
Underneath those qualities, she had a strong will and was very determined. She was retired from Lucky’s grocery store.
She enjoyed celebrating the holidays, cooking and baking for family and friends. She was generous and thoughtful, surprising her nieces and nephews with Easter baskets full of gifts tailored to each person, making them feel loved every day.
She was a talented photographer, specializing in nature photography and portraiture. She knew the exact moment to snap the shutter.
Judy loved to walk with her dog and spent much of her young life exploring Santa Barbara’s beautiful coastal sagebrush foothills in her bare feet.
Judy loved the beach. She returned to Goleta Beach throughout her life, her chair and umbrella always at the ready in the trunk of her car.
She loved parades, especially the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade. She had a great sense of humor, was an excellent listener and was always loving to her family.
She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Kathleen (Kate) Francis, with whom she was very close. They went on many fun trips, some favorite destinations including antique shopping and Disneyland. Kate was her long-time caregiver.
Judy is survived by her daughter, Kate, siblings D. Wesley Jackson & wife Patty M. Jackson, Julie L. Morgan, and Laura E. Jackson, Nieces and nephews Garrett K. Jackson, Meghan M. Jackson, David B. Klein & wife Julie Klein, Maggie S. Morgan, Matthew D. Morgan and Brett D. Jackson & wife Devlin A. Jackson. Great nieces Elizabeth Jackson and Charlotte Jackson.
She was pre-deceased by her parents Donald T. Jackson and Susan Lynn Kremer Jackson-Newberg.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. No services are planned at this time. Judy, you are in our hearts forever. No sweeter person ever lived.
