Jackie was born March 14, 1926, in Sanford, the daughter of Ethel (Spencer) Houston and Clarence Houston.
Jackie worked providing food and smiles for the Sanford School Lunch program for 21 years. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Guild at St. George’s Episcopal Church for many years. Together with her late husband, John Parent, she took in 32 foster children for the State of Maine. She loved them all, gave them a home, and taught them the value of family and kindness. She is deeply appreciated and will be missed by many.
She is preceded in death by: her husband, John Parent; son, John Michael Parent; and brother, Warren “Hoot” Houston.
She leaves behind: cousins Bruce and Barry Houston of Acton, and Randolph Page of Springvale; granddaughter, Kristy Parent, her fiancee, Brian Richards and their son, Ian of Sanford; her grandson Michael Parent and his daughters Cassie and Ashlyn of Sanford; foster children, Bernice Chadwick, Kathie Chute, Bobby Sinclair, Stephanie, and Florine Roberts; and foster grandchildren, Susan Coan and Steven Roberts.
A graveside service will be conducted on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 10 a.m. at Oakdale Cemetery in Sanford.
Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. Condolences can be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com.
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