Andrea Jackman Halnon died on Tuesday, January 21st, after a year-long battle with cancer. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her adoring family.
Andrea was born August 12th, 1953 to Glenn and Barbara Jackman and grew up in Bristol, where she graduated from Mount Abraham Union High School in 1971. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Plymouth State College in 1975 and received her master’s from the University of Vermont in 1982. She married her husband Steve in 1983, and they raised their two children in Lincoln.
Andrea had an accomplished career as a public school teacher, where she was known for her positive and encouraging instruction in elementary classrooms in Chibougamau, Quebec, Cornwall, and Bristol, Vermont. She retired in 2017 after 41 years of service.
Andrea was a passionate, courageous, and inspiring athlete. It was rare for a day to go by when she wasn’t outside, either biking, running, walking, swimming, or competing in triathlon and running events. Age was just a number for Andrea, and she boldly ran her first marathon at age 50 and completed her first triathlon at 60. She was ambitious and creative with her athletic pursuits and goals, and found great joy through accomplishments like running in every county in Vermont, every state in New England, and every calendar month of the year.
She was adventurous and curious, and she frequently traveled around the country to do races, visit friends, and check out lighthouses and covered bridges. Andrea was an avid reader, an enthusiastic photographer, and a thoughtful and encouraging friend, who was known for sending handmade cards to loved ones and saying yes to just about any outing or adventure. She did not get nearly enough years, but she lived hard during the ones she did get and found beauty and joy to appreciate every day.
Andrea is survived by her husband Stephen, her daughter Emily, her son Jameson and his wife Jessica, her brother Dennis, and many cousins, in-laws, and other relatives.
A Special Thanks to oncology unit at University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington McClure especially Hannah ( you and your family are welcome at Saint Ambrose for Sunday Mass any time bring your brother also) Urai, Haley and Emily at McClure Miller Respite House thank you very much. Also, Addison County Home Health & Hospice and special thanks to Kori Mitchell and her team.
Calling hours will be on Friday, January 24th 5-8PM at Brown McClay Funeral home in Bristol, VT. Service will be held Saturday, January 25th at 11AM at St. Ambrose Parish in Bristol. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Andrea’s name to the Addison County Humane Society.
Sorry to hear about Andrea! She fought the big fight to the end. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Stev & family,
Please accept my condolences on your loss of Andy, a very sad situation. I hope you have countless memories of happier time to sustain you at this difficult time.
I got to know Andy both at Mt Abe & on the ski slopes when she was a high school student. She was fun to be with and she gave me pointers on how to become a better skier.
Tracy Gleason
Honolulu HI