Ann Marie Reither Jackson's Obituary
Ann Marie Reither Jackson passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026. Born in Stoneboro, PA to James Reither, Sr. and Laura Steckler Reither a few days after Christmas 1936, Ann was 89 years old. She was a resident of Mt. Laurel, NJ and formerly resided in Mechanicsburg, PA for almost 50 years. Beloved wife of 62 years to Donald R. “Dick” Jackson. Loving mother of Lori Ann Jackson Rapuano and Julie Marie Jackson Allen, and cherished mother-in-law of their spouses, David Rapuano and Jonathan Allen. Cherished grandmother of Brian, Erin, and Justin Rapuano and granddog Juno. Sister of Virginia Reither Shutt and James Reither Jr. (deceased).
Ann was the first of her family to attend college, graduating from Edinboro State Teachers College in 1958. She then earned her master’s degree in education from Penn State University, where she met Dick at a square dance, after announcing to her roommate that it would be nice to meet a guy to help her with her science courses. Dick already had a BS in chemistry and was studying engineering at Penn State so he fit the bill nicely! She later repaid him for that studying help by typing up the hundreds of pages of his Ph.D thesis.
She taught elementary school in Stoneboro before her marriage and then for many years in the Cumberland Valley School District in Mechanicsburg, PA. She and Dick instilled in their daughters the importance of education and a strong work ethic - as well as a sense of adventure. Ann and Dick were also longtime members of Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church, where Ann served as a deacon for a number of years and made lifelong friends in the church Transitions group. After retirement, she and Dick became snowbirds, spending winters in Naples, FL and attending Covenant Presbyterian Church there.
Ann enjoyed spending time with her family and many friends. She and Dick had adventures across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean, and they loved to document their journeys on video. They passed along their love of traveling to their children and grandchildren.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon at Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 North. Ann’s Funeral Service will begin at noon at the same location, with Mother Emily Mellott of Trinity Episcopal Church (Moorestown) officiating. A luncheon will take place at Givnish immediately following the service. For family and friends unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed at this link:
https://www.viewlogies.net/givnish/XAVZHJKVD?pin=745871
If so desired, memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Arthritis Foundation or Doctors Without Borders.
What’s your fondest memory of Ann Marie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ann Marie?
Share a story where Ann Marie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ann Marie you’ll never forget.
How did Ann Marie make you smile?