Deborah A. Jacklin

Deborah Arline (Carlson) Jacklin, a longtime resident of Annisquam, passed away on April 28, 2025 two weeks before her 89th birthday. Born on May 13, 1936 in Boston, MA, Deborah was the daughter of the late E. Jon and Doris Carlson, who were both from the Swedish community of Jamestown, NY, and younger sister of Diane (1931-2020). The family lived on Beacon Hill in Boston and spent their summers at their home in Annisquam. An active person for her entire life, Debby spent her childhood roller skating in the Boston Commons and swimming, sailing, diving, and playing tennis during the summers at the Annisquam Yacht Club.

She was a graduate of Brimmer & May School on Park Street in Boston, and went on to earn her Bachelor's in 1957 and Master's in Education in 1962, both from Wheelock College. She enjoyed attending reunions and alumni events for both schools throughout her life, and stayed in touch with many close friends from school. During her time as a teacher, she spread her love for songs, stories, and art, especially the work of the local Folly Cove artists. She married Harold George Jacklin, Jr. (1933-2021), her loving husband of 62 years, on June 28, 1958 at the Annisquam Village Church. Together they lived in Hamilton, MA with their children until they retired to Annisquam. For many years, the pair enjoyed annual trips to St. Bart's and taking river cruises in Europe.

As fun-loving and exuberant as she was strong and persistent, Debby always had a song ready to sing for every occasion. Her competitive spirit kept her active, walking daily, and playing tennis regularly. A lifelong Annisquam Yacht Club member, she was an organizer and competitor in the tennis community and enjoyed her many friendships fostered there. As a lover of music and theatre, she was in regular attendance at

the North Shore Music Theatre. She was a diligent letter writer and never forgot to send a card for every holiday. Debby was especially proud of her large family and valued keeping family traditions alive. An active and engaged grandmother to her ten grandchildren, she loved reading, walking, and singing with them. She passed down her love for Annisquam and the ocean to her family who will always remember her diving off the rocks and swimming at Lighthouse Beach.

Debby was the beloved wife of the late Harold G. Jacklin, Jr. Loving mother of Karen Wagner and her husband Charles of Gloucester, MA; Heather Hennigar and her husband Robert of Hamilton, MA; Diana Jacklin and her husband Timothy Barrett of Vienna, Austria; Eric Jacklin of Gloucester, MA; and "like a mother" to Eric James of PA. Devoted grandmother of Meredith Salo, Kirsten Salo, Mallory Hennigar, Avery Hennigar, Bryn Hennigar, Sarah Jacklin, Emma Jacklin, William Jacklin, Asja James, Dasia James, and great-grandmother to Nathaniel Doddridge-Jacklin. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to gather in honor of Debby's life during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose, on Saturday, May 10 from 3-5pm, and for her Graveside Service at Mount Adnah Cemetery, Leonard St., Gloucester on Friday, May 16 at 2:00pm with a gathering to follow at the Annisquam Village Hall. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Deborah's memory to Good Neighbors, 23 Norrock Rd., Gloucester MA 01930.