Sue Ann Hackett, 89, of Jacksonville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024, surrounded by her children.

Born on May 19, 1935, Sue Ann grew up in Jacksonville with her parents, John and Helen Hackett. She had fond memories of running around the Pitner Place woods trying to keep up with her older brother, Jack, and playing with the family dog, Poochie. Other favorite memories included attending Joy Camps in Colorado and being a member of the J'ettes Dance Team at Jacksonville High School.

A lifelong interest in art lead Sue Ann to major in art history at Lawrence College (now University), in Appleton, Wisconsin and to work as an art teacher while bringing up her children in Concord, Massachusetts.

While living in Concord, Sue Ann became interested in history and began a fulfilling career with the National Park Service, working at historical sites in Massachusetts, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland. To the end of her life, Sue Ann was proud of these accomplishments as a "park ranger" and they formed a core part of her identity.

She lived for many years in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania before moving to Mount Vernon, Washington, where she further explored her passion for history by earning a Masters Degree in history from Western Washington University. More recently, Sue Ann lived in Colorado where she enjoyed cross country skiing and hiking in the mountains.

After returning to Jacksonville, she became involved in the Jacksonville Area Genealogical and Historical Society, the Morgan County Audubon Society, and she volunteered at Woodlawn Farm and researched local history. She also attended First Presbyterian Church.

Sue Ann is survived by her daughter, Anne Buckborough of Alexandria, Virginia; her son, Thomas Buckborough of Acton, Massachusetts; as well as her grandchildren, Ethan Buckborough and Sara Simensky. She was preceded in death by her brother, John W. "Jack" Hackett.

A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to be made in Sue Ann's honor to the National Park Foundation. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is assisting the family. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com