Louise Jackson, awarded the Order of the British Empire by the Queen in the New Year Honours for her years of public service and work for the Island’s seniors, died earlier today. She was 83 years old.

Tributes have poured in from across the community with Michael Dunkley expressing shock and sadness at the passing of a woman he described as a role model for all in public life.

“I am shocked and deeply saddened by this news,” said the Deputy Premier. “More than a political colleague, Louise was a friend. Her commitment to service is the model for all of us in public life.

“My immediate reaction upon hearing her sudden passing is the immense loss being felt by her family and Bermuda as a whole. Louise gave so much of herself in the cause of helping the community’s most vulnerable. On behalf of my family I extend condolences to Jackson family.”

The Progressive Labour Party said that Mrs Jackson’s commitment to the Island’s seniors would ‘be honoured and remembered always’.

“The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party today joins the people of Bermuda in mourning former MP Louise Jackson OBE,” the PLP said in a statement. “Mrs Jackson’s contribution to issues surrounding seniors and her unswerving commitment to her constituents will be honoured and remembered always.

“To the family of Mrs Jackson we wish to express our condolences and support.”

Mrs Jackson spent most of her life as a teacher before entering the world of politics, serving as a Member of Parliament for the United Bermuda Party, and later the One Bermuda Alliance. She formally stepped down as an MP in December, 2012.

“This honour is a reflection of the way in which the community has worked with me as a Member of Parliament,” Mrs Jackson said of her OBE last week.

“Together we have addressed issues and challenges in the delivery of health services and the care of our seniors. The dignity of seniors, in particular, has been my focus and the most important aspect of my political career. It’s a privilege to serve and be awarded the Queen’s honour.”

A teacher for the majority of her adult life, she founded the Jackson School of Performing Arts in 1953 and was its director until 1999.

Mrs Jackson was also the founder of the National Dance Theatre of Bermuda, a board member of the Bank of Bermuda, trustee of the Bermuda High School, a member of the programme committee of the Bermuda Festival and chairman of the Bermuda National Gallery. She also chaired Government boards including the Broadcast Commission and the Bermuda Library and served on the Telecommunications Commission.

Mrs Jackson had two daughters — Susan and Deborah — with her late husband, former Senate President Albert Jackson.