Celebrating 102 years of life: Jackson gets key to the Cottages

Nellie Jackson celebrated turning 102 years old with not one but two celebrations.

On Aug. 2, exactly 102 years after her birth, she was honored with a party at the Cottages of Dartmouth Village, where she lives.

Four days later, a second party was held, complete with sweet treats, lively tunes from musician Michael Dardis and some glittering gifts.

During that Wednesday, Aug. 6 celebration, Select Board Chair Heidi Silva Brooks presented her with a special coin to honor her big day.

Brooks also presented a proclamation designating Aug. 8, 2025 as Nellie Jackson Day in the Town of Dartmouth.

The final gift was a gold-colored oversized key, which represents “the key to the Cottages and the key to our hearts,’’ executive director Charlene Wisdom said to cheers from the audience.

The honors were well-deserved, fellow Cottages resident Anne Forker said. “She’s a lovely woman,’’ she said. “I’m privileged to know her.’’

“She looks marvelous,’’ resident Theresa Vitale said.

Jackson spent much of her long life in Trenton, N.J. before moving to Dartmouth two years ago, close to her son Raymond Jackson and his wife Maria, who live in Tiverton, R.I.

She has three children, seven stepchildren and “tons of grandchildren and great-grandchildren,’’ Raymond Jackson said.

He described the celebration of his mother as “awesome.’’

“The family is very blessed to have her amongst us at 102,’’ he said. “It’s nice that she can enjoy the later years of her life.’’

His mother said she did not attribute her longevity to one single factor but she did share her philosophy of life.

“I try to live the best I can,’’ she said.