Jacqueline (Ledbury) Prairie, who loved to be called “Mom” by her children, departed her loving family on January 8, 2021. Jackie married the love of her life, the late William C. Prairie III, with whom she celebrated 43 years of marriage before his death in 1993.
She was born in Norwood on October 11, 1932 and spent her life in Franklin. She was the daughter of the late Vera (McClatchey) Ledbury and the late Francis Ledbury, both of Franklin.
She was a 1950 graduate of Franklin High School where she made many life-long friends.
Jackie loved baking for her family and friends. In 1970 she was highlighted in the Cook’s Corner section of the local newspaper for her famous brownie recipe. In addition to baking, she loved gardening and floral design. She always had fresh flower bouquets, arranged using flowers grown from her garden at the homestead on Cottage Street. Her passion for flowers led to her work as a floral designer at the former Franklin Florist and at Hillside Nurseries.
Jackie loved the beach, especially Onset Bay, where she and Billy spent many summers. When their children were young, Crane Beach in Ipswich was the destination, building large campfires at the end of the day in the sun and sea.
Jackie will always be remembered by her stunning smile and the twinkle in her beautiful eyes. She will be loved and missed each and every day by those whose lives she touched, and she will never be forgotten.
Jackie raised her children with love and devotion in Franklin with her husband Billy. She was the loving mother of Richard Prairie of Riverview, Florida, Steven Prairie of Franklin, Jeffrey Prairie of Woodbury, Minnesota, Mark Prairie of Newport, New Hampshire, Scott Prairie of Blackstone, Jennifer Laquerre and her husband Paul of Franklin, the late William C. Prairie IV and the late David Prairie, both of Blackstone. She is survived by her brother Donald Ledbury of Monticello, Florida, her sister Marsha Ledbury and her husband John DeInnocentis of Wareham. She was the sister of the late Bruce Ledbury of Alabama.
She is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Gram/Nana/GiGi shared her love of reading with her grand-kids, always happy to prop them up on her lap to read a story or teach them all her silly songs.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 11 from 4-7 p.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street, Franklin, Mass.
A private funeral service for family members will be held the following day. Please follow the Covid 19 regulations, including face masks and social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jackie’s memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or to a charity of your choice.