Loving daughter, sister, CHS grad, math tutor

Claremont resident Kristine Jackson died Wednesday, July 12 with her parents by her side at their home in Claremont. The cause of death was colon cancer. She was 36.

Ms. Jackson owned her own business, Tutoring By Kris, and had been instructing math students from El Roble Intermediate and Claremont High School since the time of her own graduation from CHS in 1999.

Early challenges and life experiences shaped her into a very empathetic young woman who touched many people’s lives in her desire to make a difference, her family shared. Her focus was on empowering students to succeed, not only in math, but in life. Her ability to support both parents and students always led to a nurturing, successful family experience, they added. She was hired by so many Claremont families—helping kids from junior high through high school—and oftentimes working with successive siblings as well. These relationships developed over time, in rich and meaningful ways, many of them becoming permanent friendships.

Ms. Jackson’s love of movies and soundtracks, Broadway plays, Disneyland, Club 33, Rose Parade float building and Star Wars are remembered fondly by family and friends, and were shared by her love, Jeff. Her joy in finding the perfect gift for a sister, creating rhinestone covered Mickey Mouse ears and graduation caps, and making fudge at Christmas were also hallmarks of her kindness and generosity. She could often be found late in the evening, after tutoring was over, at either Best Buy, keeping up with the latest technology, or 21 Choices enjoying her favorite Red Velvet Cake frozen yogurt. Her family added that as a friendly and giving person, each of these hobbies and passions led her to meet new people that became a part of her life.

Her courage and positive approach in confronting cancer was inspiring, her family shared. She said that she wanted to be a role model, and prove that “even someone with cancer could have fun.” She accomplished many of her “bucket list” items this past year while coping with the disease, including a special trip to New York, another to Lucas Films, a private tour of Walt Disney’s apartment at Disneyland and many more.

Ms. Jackson’s family and friends will remember her as a loving and generous person who worked hard, cared deeply and had a lasting impact on their lives. Her memory will live on and be loved and cherished by many, they added.

Ms. Jackson is survived by her parents, Dennis and Vicki Jackson; sisters Teri Jackson, Tracy Jackson and Michelle Proulx; brother-in-law Casey Proulx; the love of her life, Jeff O’Connell; her macaw, Hollywood; uncles, aunts and many cousins.

A memorial will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, September 23 at the Claremont High School athletic field, 1601 N. Indian Hill Blvd. If you plan to attend, please bring blankets and low lawn chairs for seating on the field and dress casual. Light refreshments will be served.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Kris Jackson Mathematics Legacy Fund, payable to Philanthropy International (a 501(c)3, tax ID #87-0643877) at picharity.org. Gifts will benefit Claremont High School’s math department and support Kris’ lifelong goal of empowering students to succeed in math and in life.