JEAN MAY ESSEX

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JEAN MAY ESSEX 1923-2008 Peacefully with her family by her side, we announce the passing of Jean Essex on September 22, 2008 in Stonewall, MB at the age of 85. Remaining to forever cherish Jean's memory are her children Gayleen (Al) Nixon, Ken Essex, Margaret (Lorne) Beauchamp, daughter-in-law Debbie Essex; six grandchildren Alan Nixon, Grant Nixon, Terri Essex, Jacqueline (Sandro) Loschiavo, Bob Essex, Lorraine Essex, Lori (Darryl Maddock) Beauchamp and Karl Beauchamp; four great-grandchildren Teren Essex, Brycen Essex, Isabella Loschiavo, and Brittany Maddock. Jean will be lovingly remembered by her sisters Mona Riley, Marjorie (Paul) Cieslar, and Marlene (Jim) Taylor and brother Jack (Gwen) Webb, sister-in-law Donna Webb, brothers-in-law Roy (Wilma) Essex, John (Francis) Essex, and many nieces and nephews. Jean was predeceased by her husband George, sister Lorraine Webb, brother Ernie Webb, brother-in-law Howard Riley, sister-in-law Mary MacMartin, brother-in-law Cyril MacMartin, and her parents John and Ruby Webb. Jean was born August 30, 1923 and grew up in Stonewall. She worked at the Red White grocery store in Stonewall and in 1945 married George Essex of the Grassmere district. They began their journey of married life together in Winnipeg. In 1957 they took over the family farm and raised their family in Grassmere. They loved the farm and rural life and worked side by side until 1985. After George's death, Jean continued to live on the farm until she retired to Stonewall in 1994. Being in town enabled Jean to spend more time with her friends and family. Time spent with her brothers and sisters was special; they were her closest and best friends. Jean was an active member of Grassmere Church and Tecumseh School. She was a long standing member of the Grassmere UCW and the Tecumseh Ladies group. She was a Sunday School teacher in Grassmere, and a 4-H leader for many years, being one of the founding parents in the Tecumseh 4-H Club. We will always remember her taking us to the Tecumseh Ladies annual tea held at the T. EATON Co. in Winnipeg, and the annual Grassmere Church Picnic she was so involved in. Both Jean and George enjoyed taking part in the Drama Club and were involved in many shows held at Tecumseh School. Her involvement in the community was so important to her and was a large part of her rural life. She was interested in everything her children were involved with as they grew up. Mom enjoyed writing, and wrote journals, poems and stories, was an accomplished artist (pencil drawing, charcoal and oils) and never wanted to stop learning. She loved her vegetable and flower gardens, and harvesting her apples and plum trees on the farm. She worked hard and lived life to the fullest, always available to help a neighbour or friend when needed. Jean and George enjoyed traveling and went on many extended camping trips - to the Maritimes to visit John and Francis, west to visit Gayleen and Al, and short trips around Manitoba and the U.S. They travelled to England to reconnect with Essex relatives. Jean travelled with her sister-in-law Donna Webb by train, bus and boat to Alaska where they panned for gold, a trip Mom reminisced about for years. Family was so very important to Mom, and she was happiest being with her sisters and brothers, or having her children and grandchildren visit. Friends and acquaintances have referred to her as a lady, a special lady. We are so proud of you Mom. We will always cherish your love, your encouragement, and your faith that we will be together again. The family would like to thank the Stonewall doctors, nursing and ambulance staff and Home Care workers that helped and cared for Mom. Funeral service to celebrate Mom's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 27, 2008 at the Stonewall United Church. All Mom's family and friends are to consider themselves honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers if friends wish, donations may be made to the Brycen Essex Trust Fund, at any Royal Bank. Brycen is Jean's great-grandson and struggles with the challenges of autism. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 25, 2008