D. JEAN BEST (LENTON)

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D. JEAN BEST (nee LENTON) Peacefully with her family by her side, Jean passed away Tuesday, January 2, at the Grace Hospice at the age of 79. Remaining to forever cherish Jean's memory are her loving husband John; and daughter Susan (George); along with numerous nieces and nephews across Canada. She was predeceased by parents; her daughter Laura; and a brother Lloyd. Jean and John met in their last year of school in 1944, married in 1949 and had 57 wonderful years together. In 1952 they took up residence in their new house on Lyle St. in the St. James area. That house became the one and only home for all their married years. While her children were young, and hers and John's parents were alive, she dedicated herself to taking care of everyone. In her own special way, she saw to it that all the older members of the family enjoyed their later years, along with John and the children. Jean had a knack of doing everything well. Her sewing ability allowed her to make many of her own outfits, along with the children's clothing during their growing years. Soon the girls were interested enough to try their hand at sewing. With Jean's guidance and unlimited patience, both girls became accomplished seamstresses working with Mom's machine. When more freedom of time was available, Jean took up the sport of bowling, both five and ten pin. Soon she had her own ten pin ball which she took back and forth from home to the alley for a number of years during the winter months. Annual summer holidays were spent traveling and camping through the provincial and federal parks from Vancouver to Ottawa. The northern country and mountains were her favorites for quietness and beauty of scenery. Soon the traveling was over as the girls were nearing an age when summer jobs would become a part of their lives. Thoughts of summer time activities then turned towards a cottage at a nearby lake. A lakefront site at Brereton Lake became available and a cottage was built. Weekends and holidays were spent swimming, canoeing and fishing from early spring to late fall. Five years passed and the cottage was lost to a lightning strike and once again it was time to find something closer to home. The golf course beckoned and soon the summer days were spent on the Assiniboine Golf Course, meeting new people that would soon become friends and golfing buddies. A short ride on her bike and she was ready for a great day on the links. Sunshine, exercise and friends. Winter days became equally enjoyable when close friends introduced us to cross country skiing. Soon, groomed or ungroomed trails were to be enjoyed and Birds Hill Park provided both, together with trips to Gimli, Lac du Bonnet and West Hawk Lake on long weekends. Family and friends were always a big part of these fun times. As progressive health problems increased, many more hours of professional attention were required and the palliative care organization accepted Jean into their program. Through home visits, Riverview Health Centre and Grace Hospice, we experienced and met personally, an amazing organization of kind and caring professionals. For myself, Jean and family, they were heaven sent. In keeping with Jean's request, no formal funeral service will be held. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. P. Harris, Dr. W. Van Horne and to Cathy, your constant understanding and support were invaluable. In lieu of flowers, if family and friends so desire, donations in Jean's memory may be made to a charity of ones choice. To those I have loved and who have loved me. It's time to walk the path that God has laid for me. I leave with echoes whispering softly inside me of a contented life, happy times, laughing times and bright sunny days. My life has been full; I've savored good friends and a loved one's touch. When you lose someone you love, you gain an angel you know. Jean's arrangements have been entrusted to the Family Owned Funeral Chapel of: WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 06, 2007