Barbara Bruce Jackson, English teacher and advocate for immigrants.

Barbara Bruce Jackson, an English teacher who later became active in the group Neighbors Link, died Jan. 22 at Westchester Medical Center after a fall at her home in Mount Kisco. 

Born in 1939, Jackson’s family said she was “a dedicated and inspiring teacher who helped generations of youngsters get into college from Blind Brook High School in Rye. She taught her fortunate students to love literature and to think for themselves.”

A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Memphis, Jackson earned a master’s degree in English from the University of Illinois. 

After retirement she became board chair of the nonprofit Neighbors Link in Mount Kisco, which supports the healthy integration of immigrants.

“She believed deeply that all people deserve to live with dignity and respect,” the family said.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Kenneth T. Jackson, her son, Kevan Parish (Karla) Jackson, and two grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son Kenneth Gordon Jackson.

A service will be held Friday, Jan. 31, noon, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, located at 85 East Main St., Mount Kisco.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Church of St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church,  P.O. Box 380, Chappaqua, NY 10514, or to Neighbors Link, 27 Columbus Ave., Mount Kisco, NY 10549.