JEAN MARGARET BEST (PRIOR)

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JEAN MARGARET BEST (nee PRIOR) September 27, 1916 - April 27, 2013 On the morning of April 27, 2013 our beautiful Mum, loving Grandma, adored "GG", special aunt, dear sister-in-law and loyal friend passed away peacefully at the age of 96 at Tuxedo Villa in Winnipeg with her son, Bob, daughter-in-law, Joyce and granddaughter, Raina by her side. Jean was predeceased by her parents, Herman and Effie Prior, her husband, Dr. Brian Best in 2004 and her brothers, Murray Prior in l979 and Douglas Prior (Peggy, deceased) in 2009. She is survived by her loving son, Bob (Joyce) in Winnipeg and devoted daughter and best friend, Shelagh Pickard (Les) in West Vancouver, BC; her beloved granddaughters, Dr. Raina Best (David Dillon) in Winnipeg and Heather Hood (Stuart) in Lions Bay, BC, her dear great-grandchildren, Katie and Jack Dillon in Winnipeg and Liam and (her namesake) Maya Jean Hood in Lions Bay, BC; her cousin, Stuart McBean (Lillian) in Swift Current, SK; her nieces, Jane Ciacci (Ray) in Chicago and Pat Rekert in Vancouver; her great-nephews, Dylan Rekert (fiancée Meryl Gilkes) and Carson Rekert in Vancouver; her sister-in-law, Betty-Lou Best and Brian's nieces and nephews, Michael Neil Best (Arpad Molnar), Rick Best (Marie), Judy Peters (Bob), Nancy Ullenboom (Ray), Linda Pugh (Art, deceased), Craig Ashley (Cecile), and Jim Waugh (Charlene Prickett). Jean is also survived by several cousins and dear friends all of whom she cared for deeply. Jean grew up in Portage la Prairie and moved to Winnipeg when she went into Nursing. She graduated with her R.N. in 1940 and married Brian shortly after graduating. She was a stay-at-home Mum but managed to keep socially active while raising her family. She was very involved with St. Andrews United Church where she was a Sunday School teacher early on and later helped to serve coffee every week after the services. She was also a member of the Winnipeg General Hospital Guild which met weekly, canvassed for many charities and was a driver not only for Meals on Wheels but also for many of her friends, continuing to be on the go and always helping others. Jean was in her element entertaining her family and friends and was the ultimate gracious hostess. She loved playing Scrabble with Shelagh and mahjong and bridge with her friends for many years until her macular degeneration became too acute. When she turned 80, her trip to Maui with Shelagh was one of the highlights of her life as was attending Raina's surprise bridal shower weekend in Saskatchewan and Heather's beautiful outdoor wedding in Lions Bay, BC. One of her greatest personal satisfactions was when she was appointed an honorary Aide-de-Camp to Lieutenant Governor George Johnson and his wife, Doris, during which time her enthusiasm, helpfulness and friendliness were appreciated by all at Government House. Many thanks to all of Mum's care givers over the past years including those at the Wellington, the Rosewood and Tuxedo Villa. She and we appreciated all your kindness and care. Jean's family and friends will remember a loving, generous, unselfish, fun-loving woman with such incredible style, wit and sense of humour that we all loved to be around her. No one loved more or was loved more than Jean Best. Her memory lives on in the lives she touched, the goodness she inspired and her unforgettable infectious laugh. A Celebration of Jean's Life will be held on Thursday, July 4, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 01, 2013