There was a time when Dr. Mary Percy Jackson was described as a “living legend.” For over 45 years, she provided medical care to the people of Alberta. Learn more about her life and the significant contributions she made to medicine in this article on edmontonka.com.
The Life Story of Mary Percy Jackson
Mary Percy Jackson was born in England in 1905. She was one of four children, with three brothers. Her father worked as a wool merchant, and her mother was a teacher at a local school.
After completing high school, she enrolled at Birmingham Medical University. In 1927, she graduated with honours and qualified as a physician and surgeon. By the age of 24, Mary had gained substantial professional experience working as a family physician and surgeon in a maternity hospital.
In 1929, the Alberta government published an advertisement in a medical journal seeking female physicians with postgraduate experience in obstetrics to serve remote areas in Alberta. The ability to ride horseback was considered an asset. Mary and three of her colleagues accepted the offer and agreed to work in Alberta for a year. Her mission was to provide better medical services in remote areas.
Beginning Her Career in Alberta
Upon arriving in Alberta, Mary took up the position of chief physician in the Peace River region. Initially, her jurisdiction covered 250 square miles, later expanding to 400 square miles. The nearest medical aid station was located in the town of Peace River, a remote and difficult-to-access area. To provide effective medical care, Mary was issued a horse, which she rode daily to visit her patients. Despite extreme temperatures, she would travel miles on horseback, often crossing rivers and streams to reach those in need.
Mary became the trusted doctor for settlers who had emigrated from Norway, Hungary, Ukraine, and other countries. She handled a wide range of medical needs, including broken limbs, dental problems, and pregnancies. During her time in the region, Mary treated numerous conditions, including lacerations, tuberculosis, and complications during childbirth. In the absence of local dentists, she even performed tooth extractions.
This continued for several years until 1931, when Mary married Frank Jackson, a wealthy ranch owner and fur trader. The couple met when Frank came to her for treatment after being bitten by a dog, resulting in a septic hand. Mary successfully treated him. Frank, a widower with three children, and Mary moved to his homestead on the Keg River, located 500 miles from Edmonton.
After their marriage, Mary no longer had a contract with the provincial government and began working as a general practitioner in the area. She treated over five generations of patients in the Peace River region and was adored and respected by the local community.
A Life of Service and Recognition
Throughout her long career, Mary treated people of many nationalities and formed numerous friendships. In 1975, she was honoured with the title “Woman of the Year” by the Voice of Native Women.
In 1976, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Alberta. That same year, Mary and her husband received Alberta’s Achievement Award for their outstanding contributions. The couple frequently supported those in need by providing food and clothing.
Dr. Mary Jackson was also awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal and the Canadian Centennial Medal. In her honour, a school was named at the intersection of the Mackenzie Highway and the Keg River. She retired from medicine in 1975, after which she became a senior member of the Canadian Medical Association, a lifetime member of the Alberta Medical Association, and the College of Family Physicians.