JEAN DOROTHY LOUISE LEFLEY

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JEAN DOROTHY LOUISE LEFLEY It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Jean Lefley on Friday, January 7, 2011, at Stonewall Hospital at the age of 83. Jean was born on June 4, 1927, to Charles and Helen Fraser in Argyle, Manitoba. She was predeceased by husband Bob, 1981; son Bryan, 1997; brothers, Robert, David, Allan, Donald; and sisters, Elsie and Beatrice. She is survived by sons, Chuck (Sandy), Glen (Diane), Mike (Sharon), Tom (Ilona), Dale (Ronda); daughter Lynda Whitehead (David); and daughter-in-law Marianne Lefley; her grand-children, Jamie, Jordan and Mathew Lefley, Sarah Lefley, Martyn and Kirby Whitehead, Amanda and Nolan Lefley, Tyler, Russell and Lauren Lefley. She also leaves behind her sisters, Peggy Willson and Joyce Campbell; brothers, Len and Ron Fraser; brother-in-law Elias Siska; and sisters-in-law, Dawn-Marie, Cora and Jeanette Fraser; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Jean grew up in Grosse Isle where she attended school for 11 years, graduating Grade 12 from Stonewall Collegiate in 1945. Jean excelled in academics as well as sports. Following graduation, Jean taught for one year in Togo, Saskatchewan. After which she married Bob Lefley on February 1, 1947 and they made their home on the Lefley farm in Grosse Isle. Jean soon became immersed in the busy life of being a farm wife and a mother. In October 1948, Bryan, the first of her seven children was born. She devoted her whole life to her family and the many activities each of them pursued. Jean was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion #52, as well as the Grosse Isle Recreation Club and the Interlake Horticultural Society. In her spare time, Jean enjoyed gardening, bingo and crafts. She was known for her skills in sewing, macrame and ceramics. Jean was instrumental in starting the Grosse Isle Country Craft Sale and taught both ceramics and macrame out of her home for many years. She also enjoyed coaching her slo pitch team, Jean's Machine . In 1978, Jamie, the first of Jean's 11 grandchildren was born. Grandma never missed a birthday and was always up-to-date in their activities and was extremely proud of their accomplishments. Grandma also made every Christmas special with an ornament for each grandchild, signed with their name and the year. Jean loved to travel and made many trips throughout North America and Europe. But her favourite memories were spent around her kitchen table playing games, visiting and laughing with all who stopped by. For the last 13 years, Jean highly anticipated the annual Bryan Lefley Scholarship Golf Tournament, which brought together many family members and friends. After 62 years on the family farm, Jean moved to Stonewood Place in Stonewall in 2009. Here, her love of socializing with family and friends continued. She also cherished the new found friendships she made there. Mom will live on in the words she said, in the lives she touched, and in the happiness we feel every time we remember her. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Stonewall Hospital for the care Jean received during her short stay there. In accordance with Jean's wishes, cremation has taken place and no funeral service will be held. A celebration of life will take place on July 3, 2011, for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean's name may be made to Stonewall Palliative Care or a charity of one's choice. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2011