Kathleen Ruth Jackson

Kathleen Ruth Jackson of Templeton, MA, formerly of Ashburnham, MA passed away peacefully following illness on Tuesday April 14, 2026 at Umass Memorial Hospital in Worcester, MA.

Kathleen, affectionately known as Kathy, was born in Ipswich on November 4, 1963, a daughter of the late Joseph B. and Mary I. (Grimes) Ruth. She spent the majority of her childhood in Ashburnham, but has resided in the Gardner/Templeton area for over 30 years.

Kathy was a 1982 graduate of Oakmont Regional High School in Ashburnham and continued her education at Mount Wachusett Community College and Fitchburg State College, where she received her BA in English in 1985. Kathy worked many different jobs throughout her life, including being a Title I tutor for Gardner Public Schools and an employment specialist for the state. Between tutoring at Gardner Middle School and running the neighborhood day care for friends and family, she always enjoyed being the beloved “Mrs. Jackson.”

Kathy's hobbies included cherishing time with family, creating a family-like environment for all who visited her, and rescuing animals in need that were lucky enough to wander to her doorstep. She loved live music, retro cars, and beach days in her parents’ hometown of Gloucester. Kathy's perfect day was one filled with happy children playing in her yard while she tended to her animals and prepared a meal for all to enjoy with her favorite album playing in the background. Her door was open to all, and she will be fondly remembered for the safe and loving space she provided for all who knew her.

Kathy leaves behind her partner of 11 years, Carl Laplante; and her three children, Carrie A Jackson and her fiance Andrew, Elise L Dendievel and her husband Connor, Daniel A Jackson and his wife Nicole; her brother James A Ruth; and two sisters Eileen C. Cusick (wife of John Cusick) and Mary Ellen Ruth, and sister-in-law Mary Jane Ruth. She leaves behind many nephews and nieces as well as their children that she adored. She is predeceased by her parents, Joseph B Ruth Jr, Mary I. Grimes, and brothers, John Ruth and Joseph B. Ruth III.

Kathleen's family will receive relatives and friends for calling hours to celebrate and remember her life from 4-7 PM on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at Mack Funeral Home, 105 Central Street in Gardner, MA.

A Mass will be celebrated in her honor at 11 AM on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at St. Denis Parish, 85 Main Street in Ashburnham, MA. Lunch and refreshments will be provided following mass at the church event space next door. She will be laid to rest in a private burial ceremony at Calvary Cemetery in Gloucester, MA on April 24, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the MSPCA Angell fund on behalf of Kathy.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/kathy-jackson-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL