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Laura Diane Jackson died March 17, 2005 at the home of her parents, Harold and Beverly Jackson in Placitas, New Mexico after a two year battle with brain cancer. She was born in Yuba City, California on May 8, 1964 and lived with her family in Boulder, Colorado; Mexico City; and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In 1973 the family moved to Arcata, California, where Laura attended local schools and graduated from Arcata High School in 1982. Laura attended the University of California at Riverside and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1986. Laura was an avid traveler who made lasting friendships with people she met in her travels to France, Italy, Mexico, and Guadaloupe. Love of languages eventually led her to the University of Texas in Austin, where she earned an MFA in French. Laura taught one year at Montpellier University in southern France. She returned to her parents' home in New Mexico and earned her secondary teaching certification from UNM. She taught French and Italian at Rio Rancho High School until the year 2000, when she moved back to Austin, Texas to take over the French program at St. Michael's Academy, a position she held until May of 2004. An innovated and creative teacher, Laura thrived on the excitement generated by her students as they developed proficiency in a second language and realized the possibilities that such ability provided. Laura was a dedicated athlete who loved nature, spending much of her free time hiking, running, rowing, swimming and cycling. An active volunteer for a number of charitable organizations wherever she lived, she also enjoyed karaoke, the cartoons of Roz Chast, music of Lyle Lovett, gardening, and spending time with friends. Laura was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Robert C. Moore, and Flaca, her beloved Doberman, who died in 2002 Rescued as a puppy, Flaca was a faithful companion for 12 years. Laura is survived by her parents; her maternal grandmother, Leone Moore, of Rio Rancho; her paternal grandfather, Bert Haynes of Sequim, Washington; a brother, Bruce Jackson and sister-in-law, Bonita Jackson; nieces, Kirsten and Layla, and nephew, Derek, of Longmont, Colorado; uncle and aunt, Earl and Jackie Moore of Chico, California; great uncle and aunt, Irving and Carlena Moore and cousins, Cynthia Moore of Albuquerque and Richard Moore of Cleveland, Ohio; and her partner, Tim Birchard, Austin, Texas; as well as dear friends throughout the U.S. , Mexico and Europe. The family wishes to express appreciation to the staff of Zia Hospice for the care and support provided to Laura and the family over the past two months. A Memorial service is planned for 11:00 a.m. on April 2, 2005 at the Placitas Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Laura Jackson Memorial Fund of The American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Suite 146, Des Plaines, Il 60018; 800-886-2282, or to a charity of the donor's choice.
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