Maryann Jackson

Maryann Jackson, 93, a longtime resident of Wampum, Pennsylvania, entered her eternal home in Heaven on August 14, 2026.

Maryann lived a long life distinguished by the love, faith and quiet service she gave so freely to others. Artistic, loving, humble and gentle, she was perhaps best described simply as a servant. She instinctively looked for ways to care for the people around her and was happiest when doing something for someone else.

Born January 2, 1933 in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, Maryann was bright, creative and curious from an early age. In high school, she served as editor of her school newspaper, an early reflection of the writing ability and keen mind she carried throughout her life. As a young woman, she even worked for a time as a golf caddy which inspired her to take up golf later on in life with her husband. Her deep faith led her at one point to consider becoming a nun, but her path changed after she met Raymond Jackson while working at Universal Machine and Valve in Ellwood City. The two married and built a beautiful life and family together in the Wampum area.

Maryann and Raymond became the parents of five children, and family became the center of her world. She poured herself into being a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, but her capacity for caring extended well beyond her immediate family. Over the years, many people came to regard her as an honorary mother or grandmother. She had a gift for making people feel welcomed, cared for and at home.

Her Christian faith was the foundation of her life. Maryann was a woman of prayer whose faith was often expressed through what she quietly did for others. She approached everyday life with the heart of a servant. She rarely sought the spotlight, preferring instead to encourage, support and care for others from the background. She taught CCD at St. Monica’s Church in Wampum.

Maryann was also deeply involved in her community. She served as secretary for New Beaver Borough and was an active member of the Wampum Women’s Club, an organization she treasured and considered as one of the best decisions she ever made. She also served a term as president of the club.

There seemed to be very little Maryann could not make, grow, cook or create. She was an accomplished seamstress who made clothing, curtains, quilts and costumes and even upholstered furniture. She painted, crafted and created beautiful floral arrangements. She loved flowers, gardening, birds, music, musicals and dancing. Her creativity was woven into the fabric of daily life.

Nowhere was her love more evident than in her kitchen and around her table. Maryann loved to cook and bake for family, friends and neighbors. Among the many things remembered fondly are her Friday-night neighborhood pizzas, homemade pies, nut rolls, wedding soup and pepperoni rolls. She delighted in tea parties, pretty dishes, teacups and carefully set tables because making something beautiful was another way of making someone feel special.

One of her sayings captured that spirit perfectly: “I’m not making cookies, I’m making memories.” And that is what she did, over and over again. Whether she was cooking, wrapping a gift with a beautiful bow, sewing clothing, tending her flowers, welcoming someone to her table or simply giving one of her warm hugs, Maryann had a way of turning ordinary moments into fond memories.

She was resourceful, practical and remarkably capable, yet remained humble about her many talents. She managed what she had carefully, wasted little and was generous with others. She remained interested in the world around her and continued learning throughout her life. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, playing cards, and watching sports - from the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins to college basketball, especially when she could share a game with one of her grandchildren. And family members knew there was also a good chance a private stash of chocolate could be found tucked away somewhere nearby.

Those who loved Maryann will remember her beautiful smile, her warmth, her gentle nature and her hugs. Most of all, they will remember the extraordinary selflessness with which she lived. Her life was centered on faith, family, friendship and the endless small acts of love.

Maryann was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Raymond C. Jackson; her son, Raymond D. Jackson; her son-in-law, Stanley Pittavino; and her grandson, Nathan Needler.

She is survived by her children, Jeanne Pittavino; Thomas Jackson of Wampum; Janet (John) Emig of New Springfield, Ohio; and Peggy (Stephen) Needler of Aledo, Texas; her grandchildren, Gregory Pittavino, Zachary Needler, Brittany Needler, Anthony Pittavino, Rebecca (Needler) Davis and Michael Pittavino; seven great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Emery, Victor, Oliver, Ruby, Isla and Archer; loving sister, Katherine "Eloise" Hovanec (William "Whitey") of Aliquippa; brother, Stephen "Bud" Zultkowski (Shirley) of Clinton. She also leaves behind extended family, friends and the many others whose lives were made richer by her kindness and care.

For a woman who spent so much of her life serving others quietly and faithfully, perhaps no words are more fitting than these: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Friends and family will be received on Tuesday August 18, 2026 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home 341 Main St. Wampum. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 10 am at Divine Grace Parish Holy Redeemer Church. Entombment will follow in the Holy Redeemer Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Feed My Sheep Ministries of New Castle or American Legion Post 749 in Wampum.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com