JEAN LEE (SCHUR)

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JEAN LEE (nee SCHUR) Jean, who passed away December 4, 2013, was a wise, strong and remarkable woman. She was born in Ethelbert, Manitoba on October 7, 1922 to Karl Schur and Mary Yellowega. Predeceased by her husband Harvey, daughter Roberta, and sisters Anne and Nellie. She is survived by daughter Mona (Dennis) and her pride and joy, grandsons Jake and Griffin Brockman as well as her brother Henry (Jean) and many nieces and nephews. Jean was a fiercely independent, resourceful and creative woman who excelled at school in her early years but was forced by the Depression to leave home at the young age of 15 to make her way in the world. She began with some domestic work in Dauphin and then found herself in Copper Cliff, Ontario during the War in the ore crushing plant. Jean arrived in Winnipeg in the 1940's where she formed amazing friendships that have lasted to this day. She was a star at the Marvel Beauty School and became a popular beautician/cosmetologist in the city. She met the love of her life Harvey on a blind date in 1947 and they had a wonderful life together until his death in 1986. It was in her role as Mom to her "little dolls" Mona and Roberta that Jean thrived. She was the ultimate Mother to not only her two girls but as a "second Mom" to nieces, nephews and friends alike. A talented cook, baker and beautiful entertainer there was always something good to be had at Jean's on Centennial Street. Her garden and her plants indoors which she lovingly nurtured were a source of joy her whole life. An avid volunteer, whether it was making her famous butterscotch pies for the Home and School or canvassing for various charities, Jean was always there when you needed her. The Green Party even asked her to be a candidate at one time. Jean was a talented seamstress, craftsperson and decorator whose elegance and style carried with her until the day she died. After she moved to Toronto at 83 to begin a new phase in her life she was able to make new friends and enjoy being closer to her family. She was even in a fashion show at 86! Jean was one of a kind - an amazing strength of character, a unique and very caring individual with an optimistic spirit and a love of life. She will be greatly missed by those whose paths she crossed. Funeral services will be held at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery at Main Street and Armstong Avenue on Thursday, December 12 at 11:00 am with a celebration of life to follow. If desired, donations in Jean's memory may be made to a children's charity, the Alzheimer's Society or the Baycrest Centre for Women's Brain Health Initiative.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 10, 2013