JEAN BEATRICE PATTERSON (PEARCE)

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JEAN BEATRICE PATTERSON (PEARCE) July 22, 1920 March 1, 2011 On the 1st of March at 3:15 p.m., the Lord sent his angels to earth to claim Jean to Heaven, and free her from worldly cares. In her later years, Jean suffered from chronic illnesses. Through it all, she remained cheerful and loving to the utmost of her ability. Her spirit was indomitable and a sterling example of her family. Jean separated from her loving husband of 61 years in 2007, when he could no longer give her the care she needed. The staff at Golden Links Lodge, where she moved, will be forever remembered for their caring, compassion, understanding and diligence, in looking after her. In her formative years in Tillsonburg, ON Jean enjoyed the youth orchestra where she played the violin. Vocal music and elocution (where she won many prizes) were also an important part of her younger years. These interests led to church choirs when she was raising her family. She encouraged her children's talents in music, and saw that they were exposed to it, throughout their lives. Jean led a very active and fulfilling life. She was an undisputed leader of her family and was a wise, loving and conscientious mother and wife. After she and husband, Jack were married, they moved from Toronto to Calgary where they raised one daughter, Sheila, and sons Robert, Charles and James. These children were to marry son-in-law, Ken Tarte (Sheila) and daughters-in-law Irene (Rob), and Allison (Charles). Later Jean and Jack were blessed with grandchildren: Andrew, Graham, John, Laura, Lauren and Shannon. Jean always made sure that her family was properly housed and developed a lifelong interest in homes. Single handedly, she negotiated the selection and purchase of five lovely dwellings the family lived in, as they grew up. Each move was to provide space and security for her growing family. Her crowning achievement was the design and supervision for the construction of the last of the five houses, after the family moved to Winnipeg. She made sure that all her children had the opportunity to graduate from The University of Manitoba. Not to be outdone, she herself continued to take courses at the U in areas of interest, that would be a benefit to her as a mother and wife. As the children grew in independence, she encouraged them to be self-sufficient. This change allowed Jean to return to the fashion trade where she enjoyed looking after her loyal customers at Holt Renfrew and Dallairds. Nearing the end of his career, Jack accepted a three-year assignment in Australia. This move opened up an entirely new set of experiences for Jean. In the Land Down Under , she worked as a volunteer at a nearby college library. She tutored students in English as a Second Language (ESL) and enjoyed group singing, as well many social activities with the lady Rotarians. Returning to Winnipeg, Jean and Jack reclaimed her dream home that had been rented in their absence. After one more year on the job, Jack retired from the workplace. In their leisure years Jean and Jack enjoyed winter breaks in Florida and Victoria. Now, as in the full life she relished, Jean again has led the way for the family. She has joyously gone to prepare a place for all of us in Heaven. There will be a memorial service with Family Members, in the near future. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 09, 2011