Jo-Ann M. (Briggs) Mackey

Jo-Ann M. Mackey, 77, of Natick, MA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. 

Born in Cambridge, MA, on November 22, 1948, she was the beloved daughter of the late Ralph and Dorothy (Voye) Briggs. Jo-Ann’s life was defined by her profound faith, an unwavering strength, and a deep, lifelong dedication to caring for others. She never backed down from a challenge and met life with a determined, independent spirit—and a healthy touch of stubbornness—that inspired everyone who knew her. Jo-Ann was truly a person who loved and cared for people deeply. In her children's early years, her home and heart were always open as she took on multiple foster children, providing safety and care to children in need. 

Jo-Ann channeled this immense capacity for compassion into a remarkable, fifty-year career in healthcare. Her journey began simply as a teenage nurse’s aide during high school, sparking a passion that drove her to continuously advance her education, earning her credentials first as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and ultimately as a Registered Nurse (RN). During the first 20 years of her career, she worked in various hospital departments, bringing sharp skills and comfort to patients in the Emergency Room, ICU, Medical-Surgical units, and Oncology. 

Over the next 30-plus years, Jo-Ann transitioned into long-term care management, serving as the Director of Nursing at multiple skilled nursing facilities, before concluding her career as a highly respected wound care specialist. Her dedication to her patients knew no bounds; at times, she even took patients into her own home to care for them when they could no longer stay at a facility. In retirement, her nurturing spirit remained active as she continued to serve others by working at a local summer camp. 

Outside of her profession, Jo-Ann's greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren. She was an extremely generous, loving, and giving mother and a cherished Nana who possessed a great sense of humor and a wonderful laugh that could light up any room. She found comfort and joy in music, loved the magic of Broadway productions, thoroughly enjoyed watching movies, and always held a deep appreciation for the peacefulness of the ocean. 

She is survived by her devoted children, Corleen Cadman and her husband James of Natick, and Jason Mackey and his wife Heidi of Natick. She was the adored Nana of Ashley Cadman and her significant other Wadih Chammas, Adam Cadman and his significant other Hannah Peck, and Jonas Mackey. Jo-Ann also leaves behind her loving sisters, Ruth Walsh and Phyllis Goddard; her brother-in-law, Edward Chisholm; her best friend and confidant, Ann Marie Barry; and her personal hero, Margaret Barry. 

She is additionally survived by her dear nieces and nephews, Deb Bickford and her husband Dan, Nancy Plasse and her husband Roland, Sue Bolton and her husband Andrew, Ted Chisholm and his wife Myra, and Warren Goddard, as well as many loving great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and close friends who were like family. 

Jo-Ann was predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Dorothy Briggs; her sisters, Janet Poulin of Wales, MA, and Charleen Chisholm of Millis, MA; and her dear "sister at heart," Luella Chesley. 

Visiting hours will be held at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, Natick Common, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. 

A Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the Milestone Church of Wellesley, 42 Elmwood Road, Wellesley, at 10:00 am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. She will be laid to rest following the service at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Millis. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jo-Ann’s memory to the Milestone Church of Natick, 217 W. Central St., Natick, MA 01760 or online at Donate | Milestone Journey

For an online guestbook and directions, please visit: www.everettfuneral.com 

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