Treasured Martha’s Vineyard healer Jackie Clason died peacefully in her sleep the morning of Oct. 14, 2026, at home with her beloved partner of many years, Mick Stevens. She was 73. Like many others of her generation, Jackie arrived on the shores of Martha’s Vineyard from Springfield in the 1970s without a plan. The Island proved to be the place where she would grow and find her purpose.
That discovery took many twists and turns. Literally. As “Crash” Clason, she was one of only two female participants in the annual Crunch demolition derbies, held on Columbus Day from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. She earned her reputation as a champion, emerging unscathed from a crash that turned her car upside down. She had yet another moniker, Mermaid, her handle during the years she drove a taxi.
In Jackie’s own words, she grew bored with her life, and sought work that would satisfy her yearning for deeper human connection. She developed a thriving practice as a masseuse. Going deeper still, with the support of one of her clients, she attended homeopathy school, since she had benefited herself from this natural healing system. As this practice also thrived, Jackie continued to seek additional ways of healing not just the body but the spirit. She was drawn to the work of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, eventually becoming ordained and receiving the dharma name Friendship of the Heart. Indeed, her heart was huge. She incorporated meditation into her work, and would hold the spirits of those around her in peace and equanimity. One of the secrets behind Jackie’s success, beyond her bountiful compassion, was her discretion, whether it was holding a confession whispered during a massage, or the stories of her patients.
Crash, Mermaid, Friendship of the Heart. These were all parts of what made Jackie who she was — adventurous, always her own self, always open to those around her. She loved the water, body surfing at Quansoo or swimming at Ice House Pond, faithfully attending water aerobics in the company of friends as often as she could. Her dog Dexter held a prominent place in her heart. He could often be found resting under the massage table or at the feet of meditators, or accompanying Jackie for walks at Sepiessa. She took advantage of the rich cultural life of the Vineyard and, often with Mick at her side, attended concerts and readings. She and Mick could be found in town in the mornings, drinking coffee and watching the life around them. In quieter moments, Jackie was captivated by the birds that came to their feeder, a new interest for her. Jackie always welcomed the new, even as her Island roots grew ever stronger.
In the past couple of years, Jackie began experiencing some memory decline. Always the healer not only of others but of herself, she enrolled herself in a dance class and writing course to keep her mind and body active and challenged. At the time of her death she was working on her memoirs. While they remain unfinished, a memorial event in the planning will be an opportunity for all who loved Jackie to tell their own stories of her.
I am so saddened to hear the news of Jackie’s passing. I treasured her friendship like no others. She is the bookends to my life on Martha’s Vineyard. Most recently I loved seeing she and Mick on their many walks in Sepiessa. Seeing my dog seemed to bring some joy to her life. Jackie is the reason I came to Martha’s Vineyard 40 years ago. I was planning a move to the Southwest when I saw an ad for a massage therapist. Long story short Jackie hired me and here I remain. My favorite story about Jackie is how she found me a summer rental that even had room for my daughter. In addition, Jackie had gotten my daughter a bicycle at a yard sale and there it was waiting for us. What an amazing summer that was the least of which was the many amazing people both famous and infamous I met because of Jackie. Come to September and I was ready to continue my journey to Santa Fe. Jackie explained September was dessert and I had a rental paid through September. And here I remain with a heavy heart today and a tear in my eye.
I am so sorry to read this. My deepest condolences. I rented from her in the 80’s when she lived on Otis Basset road. In the last few years I enjoyed seeing her and Mick at the BD cafe for Johnny Hoy and Delanie. We enjoyed dancing and a little reminiscing. Rest easy, Jackie.
Jackie and I spent several loving years together. We met when she was driving taxi in the mid 70s. We spent a summer in a shack at Flat Point Farm on Tisbury Great Pond. Sometimes we would sail a sunfish towing a kayak and stay overnight on the barrier beach. We rented Louis Tate Kings house for a winter and enjoyed making croissants with friends after a night of dancing at the Hot Tin Roof. She was likely the first masseuse to the stars on the Island. She was not big physically but was high energy, at ease with everyone, quick witted and endlessly inquisitive about her healing touch. We spent time together in Hawaii where she explored Lomi Lomi the Hawaiian healing art. From time to time over the years I thought about her and she will always be in my heart. I am glad to hear she was with her loved one Mick when she transitioned. Be Well and travel on Jackie.
Love from your Wootie.
I Had a lot of Good times with Jackie! She also helped me with Homeopathic remedies… we enjoyed dancing together. She always had energy for fun….i will miss her❤️
I never encountered Jackie when she didn’t put a smile on my face and in my heart. What a lovely, joyous and adventurous spirit she had. Safe travels, dear friend. I remember you fondly, and I will miss you.
Jackie was amazing, what a talented human being! And what kindness…I sat with her (and Mick, of course) at a West Tis library jazz concert this past summer with Stan Strickland, Joel Harrison, Taurus Biskis and Chico Huff on bass. She knew I had been reading Buddhism, and years before she had opened my eyes to Thich Nhat Hanh. I hadn’t seen her in years, but it was as though we saw each other every day. Peaceful, quiet joy.