Germaine (Authier) Jackson

Germaine L. Jackson, age 92, of Sanford, Maine, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on July 16, 1933, in Sanford, Maine, to Charles and Clara (Bouffard) Authier. Germaine was educated in the Sanford area and attended St. Ignatius School and St. Joseph’s Academy in South Berwick, Maine during her early years. In her younger years, before raising a family, she worked at Grant’s Department Store in Portland, Maine, a time she treasured and often spoke of fondly through shared memories and stories.

Germaine devoted her life to her family, her faith, and the Sanford community she called home. She was known for her strength, warmth, and caring nature, touching countless lives through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love.

She dedicated more than twenty years of her working life to libraries and to supporting literacy in her community, serving from 1977 until her retirement in 2001, including time at both the Carpentier Branch Library and the Goodall Memorial Library. She was patient, reliable, and quietly devoted to helping others discover the joy of reading.

Germaine treasured life’s simple joys. She especially enjoyed time with dear friends playing cards, where laughter and companionship mattered as much as the game itself. An avid knitter, she took great joy in creating handmade gifts and looked forward to shopping trips with her dear friend Marie. Music brought her comfort and peace, whether through a favorite song or a familiar hymn. Life took her to Mississippi and later Virginia, but Maine always held a special place in her heart, and she returned home in 1973, where she spent the remainder of her years.

Her Catholic faith remained a steady source of strength and peace throughout her life. She was a devoted member of her church and found deep comfort in her beliefs, which sustained her through both joy and hardship and remained central to her family and those who knew her.

She carried herself with quiet strength and selflessness, often placing the needs of others before her own. Her resilience, generosity, and devotion to family leave a lasting legacy that will be long remembered.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Gregory Jackson; her mother, Clara Authier; her father, Charles Authier; her sister, Estelle Doherty; and her brothers, Leonard “Paul” Authier and Charles “Kiki” Authier, Jr.; as well as other family members who welcomed her home.

She is survived by her children, Mark Jackson of Sanford, Maine; Laurie Ellis of Sanford, Maine; and Jackie Wilson and her husband, Aaron, of Bossier City, Louisiana.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jeffery Ellis of Shenzhen, China; Lauren Wilson and her fiancé, Cody Carroll, of Benton, Louisiana; and Nicholas Wilson and his fiancée, Sarah Koeppen, of Bossier City, Louisiana; as well as her great-grandchildren, Cohen Carroll, Cooper Carroll and Conleigh Carroll of Benton, Louisiana.

Among those she leaves behind are her special nieces and nephews, Jimmy, Denise, Lisa, Melanie, Maryellen, Chris, and Jon, along with many other beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends, as well as the Hanson family, who were truly like family and whose friendship, kindness, and unwavering support over many years were a true blessing in her life.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Biddeford, Maine who provided compassionate care and support during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Germaine’s memory to the Goodall Memorial Library in Sanford, Maine: https://lbgoodall.org/donate/

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, 66 North Avenue, Sanford, Maine 04073. Following the Mass, burial will take place at St. Ignatius Cemetery, Berwick Road, Sanford, Maine 04073. Family and friends are then invited to a luncheon and time of remembrance at the Sanford Elks Lodge, 13 Elm Street, Sanford, Maine 04073.

Though she will be deeply missed, the memories of Germaine’s life and the love she shared will remain in the hearts of her family and friends. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her earthly burdens have been laid down and that she rests peacefully in God’s loving care.