Obituary
Born September 8,1934 in Quincy, MI. Died peacefully at age 88 on November 6, 2022, under the wonderful care of Reflections Memory Care in Port Orange, FL.
From Quincy, Jackie moved to a family-owned farm in Litchfield, MI where she lived until graduating from Litchfield High School (1952). She earned a BA Degree from Albion College (1956) and worked as a Social Worker in Detroit, MI (2 yrs) before earning a teaching degree from Michigan State University. She taught in Royal Oak, MI. for 10 yrs before moving to Daytona Beach, FL where she taught elementary and gifted and talented students. Jackie earned her MS Degree from Nova University (1985) before retiring in 1997.
Preceding her in death were her parents Clarence and Mildred (VanPatten) Ferry, only daughter Lisa Ann Kessler (1990), ex-husband Ray Kessler (2010), brother and sister-in-law Harold Ferry (2008) and Marcia (Branstetter) Ferry (2022), sister-in-law Betty (Anson) Ferry (2022), and daughter-in-law Inga Kessler (2022).
Survived by 3 sons, Gary Kessler (Mary) La Quinta, CA, Mark Kessler, Boca Raton, FL, and Randy Kessler (Linda) Ypsilanti, MI. Also surviving are 2 brothers, Ronald Ferry, Litchfield, MI, Alton Ferry (Kay) Jackson, MI. Many beloved nieces, nephews and (great) nieces and nephews. Many would call her a cherished friend, often meeting on Friday nights at Stavro’s. But especially her best friends Ann Oakley, Barb deVignier, and more recently her best friend/nurse Carol Comerate, RN.
Jackie loved to travel, whether back to Michigan to visit family, friends, and the family farm in Litchfield, or family/extended family in California, Montana and beautiful memories traveling all over the world. She loved music, especially Mozart and Beethoven, enjoyed flowers, birds, and working outdoors. Jackie is especially remembered for her sense of humor, spontaneous songs, sarcasm and beautiful smile.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Jackie Kessler, to Halifax Humane Society, Daytona Beach Salvation Army, and First United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund.
Memorial service will be held on Monday, November 14, 2:00 at First United Methodist Church, 336 S Halifax Dr., Ormond Beach, FL 32176. The Memorial Service will also be available to be viewed through a livestream provided by First United Methodist Church, firstunited.org. A memorial service will also be held in Litchfield, MI at a later date.
Service
336 S Halifax Dr., Ormond Beach, FL 32176
It’s hard to say goodbye to my best friend. I will always cherish my memories of being together…. college friends, sorority sisters, maid of honor at my wedding. Gone but not forgotten. You will always have a special place in my heart.
Love,
Jan Campbell.
I'm so grateful for all of the joyful memories I have of spending time with you. Your kindness and warmth paired with your sharp wit always made you one of my favorite people to talk to, and even when I was a child you always treated me with respect and thoughtfulness. I'll miss you.
Love,
Daniel
I love you, Jackie. I always will.
Gary
I will miss our stolen conversations on couches in quiet spaces during our busy visits; I find myself now wishing I had spoken less and listened more.
I love you, Jack.
Love,
Dan Zawacki