Imelda “Jackie” McCann, 85
Aug. 30, 1939-Dec. 31, 2024
Sartell
Imelda R. “Jackie” McCann, 85, of Sartell, died unexpectedly on Dec. 31 at her home.
Her funeral was held Jan. 16 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell. The Rev. Timothy Baltes officiated. Burial of the urn was in the parish cemetery in Sartell.
McCann was born in West Union Township, Minn. on Aug, 30, 1939, to Albert and Antoinette (Deters) Marthaler. She was the youngest of 11 children and a proud German farm girl. McCann attended grade school at District #157 and high school at Mount St. Benedict in Crookston, Minn., where she became known as “Jackie.”
McCann graduated from the St. Cloud School of Nursing, and while working in the Crookston area, met her honey, Jack McCann. They married on April 17, 1962, and settled in Grand Forks, N.D., to raise their family.
McCann was kind, compassionate, empathetic and an excellent nurse. During her nursing career, she touched many lives through Head Start, the Red Cross, Home Health, Hospice Care, Oncology and Parish Nursing. Later in her career, she returned to school and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in heath science from the College of St. Francis.
A supportive and loving mother and grandmother, McCann never missed an opportunity to celebrate her family. Among her many talents and hobbies, she was a Master Gardener, an avid photographer and birdwatcher, a wonderful cook and baker, a lover of theater and a superfan of the University of North Dakota (Grand Forks) Fighting Sioux hockey, the Minnesota Twins, and the Minnesota Vikings. She loved the holidays and enjoyed decorating her home for every special occasion. McCann was quick-witted, very intelligent and has been described by many as a “light.”
McCann was a woman of great faith and an active member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Her purpose in life was to get herself and her family to Heaven. She went to join the Lord on Dec. 31, 2024, a fitting day, as New Year’s Eve was always a special celebration for Jack and Jackie.
Survivors include the following: her daughters: Mary-Lynn, Lisa and Kristi; her grandchildren: Christopher (Roxy), Chris (Taylor), Jenna, and John; great-grandson J.J.; her sister, Joan Pfannenstein; wonderful brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Jack; her parents; and siblings: Sister André, OSB, Albert, Lawrence, Paul, Sister Mary Peter, OSC, Anthony, Annella Hougnon, Sister Germana, OSB, and the Rev. Father Andrew Marthaler.
A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at Country Manor Senior Living, Champion Rehab, Dr. Douglas Brew, Dr. Patrick Lalley, Dr. Aahd Kubbara and CentraCare.
