Jacqueline Rosa Jarvis (Perham), age 86, of Brockton, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 27, 2023. Jackie wished to be in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family, at the time of her passing.
Born and raised in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Virginia (Chatham) Perham. She was a resident of Brockton and a proud homeowner for the past 53 years. Jackie worked as a Lab Researcher at Polaroid in Cambridge and was an Assistant Librarian at the Brockton Public Library.
When Jackie was 20 years old, her mother passed away. She quickly became a strong and independent woman who began raising her four brothers and sister Judy. Judy had special needs as she was mentally disabled at the age of 3. Jackie cared for her until she passed away in 1995 and was awarded an Official Citation in Recognition by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Mental Health on April 9, 1996. She had an innate ability to care for others and continued this by taking in many foster children over the years. Jackie hosted Thanksgiving for many years, surrounding herself with whom she was most thankful for, her family. In her late 50s, she went on to raise two grandchildren, Matthew and Shianne Jarvis, with the help of her brother Thomas and daughter Christina.
Jackie loved her home and was proud that it provided a space where she could care for her family. She was a strong and "feisty" woman, as well as kind and giving. She would often put her own needs last. Jackie had a profound sense of humor and regularly said things that would keep her family laughing for days. She was proud that she attended the march in Washington in the 1960s, advocating for black rights.
Jackie was an extraordinarily talented artist and had many interests. Some included beautiful paintings of nature scenes, portraits, and other notable works. She also enjoyed drawing, reading, gardening, cooking, sewing, and caring for plants. She could bring about any plant back to life that most of us could not have saved. She would say, "they just need some love." That love is what brought many plants back to life. Jackie also enjoyed watching her "stories" every day. She loved nature and animals, especially her favorite, elephants. She considered them majestic, intelligent, and matriarchal, like herself. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
Jackie is survived by her daughter Christina Jarvis of Brockton; her grandchildren, Matthew Jarvis, Shianne Jarvis, and Nicholas Jarvis; and her nieces and nephews, Jonathan Perham, Matthew Perham, Gina Perham, and Jacqui Perham. She was the sister of the late Edward Perham, Richard Perham, Robert Perham, Thomas Perham, and Judith Perham.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit Jackie's family on Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 1-2 pm, with a funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm, in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte. 123) Brockton. The interment will be private.