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JEAN ELIZABETH HEATH  Obituary pic

JEAN ELIZABETH HEATH

Born: Sep 30, 1916

Date of Passing: Mar 14, 2015

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JEAN ELIZABETH HEATH September 30, 1916 - March 14, 2015 Mom passed away peacefully on her own terms. She was strong and aware and surrounded by the family she loved and with the prayers of the community she served. Mom joyfully traveled to be with her God, her daughter Gerry and her husband Ross, her siblings Jack, Audrey and Anne. Cherishing her memory is her daughter Bonnie Heath (Steve Wilson), grandchildren Stephen Dubienski (Sarah), Katie (Chris), Heather Wilson - countless friends, Deaf and Deaf-Blind community members as well as many nieces and nephews. This past week as we stayed by her side we shared many wonderful moments and conversations with mom. Always the thoughtful Mom, she made sure we were prepared and she allowed us the time we needed to embrace her decision. She had a beautiful life - one that she earned and so deserved. She was living kindness and pure love. In remembrance of Jean, in the days ahead think about your commitment to your personal community and to your family and friends, your life will be blessed in ways that you can't imagine. She worked for the Canadian government from 1942 to 1954 when she left the civil service to be married. She married Ross in 1954 and was walked down the aisle by Dr. David Peikoff who remained a mentor to both Mom and Dad for many years. Mom attended both the Manitoba School for the Deaf as well as the Saskatchewan School for the Deaf where she made many lifelong friends. She loved so many things especially the fresh air of spring and for this we are grateful. Saturday was a beautiful day here in Winnipeg with such unusual March weather. She loved to knit and her many knitted gifts remain with the families of both Deaf people and Interpreters alike. She loved writing and would send beautiful cards at all occasions. She would often receive over 80 Christmas cards. She loved conversation and was a wonderful listener - she talked to everyone both Hearing and Deaf. She would spend hours writing back and forth with folks who could not sign. She was active in her community and volunteered for well over 60 years. She served on many Boards and was pivotal in the Manitoba Deaf Seniors Club, her church - the Winnipeg Church of the Deaf, the Resource Centre for Manitobans who are Deaf - Blind and the Deaf Centre Manitoba to name a few. She received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal nominated by the Canadian Association of the Deaf. If you wish, donations may be made in her memory to the Leadership Circle at the Deaf cultural centre: www.deafculturecentre.ca The family wishes to thank the staff and residents of the Personal care home located in the Deaf Centre Manitoba where Mom happily spent the last 40 years working, volunteering and for the last few years lived. A special thank you to our friend Dr. Grant Benningen who was her doctor for so many years. A celebration of her life will take place on March 19, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. St. George's Anglican Church at Wilton and Grosvenor. Reception to follow.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 17, 2015

Condolences & Memories (29 entries)

  • To express sympathy in the loss of your loved one and to let you know that many thoughts are with you and your family. In the love that surrounds you, may you find strength. In the memories you cherish, may you find peace. With caring thoughts Miro Cerqueti and pharmacy staff - Posted by: Miro Cerqueti () on: Mar 25, 2015

  • Bonnie - our sincere condolences to you and your family. Although I only met your dear folks once or twice, it is because of them that I learned to sign the alphabet which I passed on to my sisters, one of whom made sign language her life career. Thinking of you. Karen & Richard Howell, Robin Shreiber, Tracey Block and Family. - Posted by: Karen (Shreiber) Howell (Friend/classmate of Bonnie) on: Mar 20, 2015

  • Bonnie, I met your mother twice but she left a lasting memory of someone truly kind, fun loving, wise and charismatic. I hope having your good friends and family close to you at this difficult time will make things easier and give you time to share wonderful memories of your mum. Jan from Toronto - Posted by: Janice Paquette (friend) on: Mar 19, 2015

  • Dear Bonnie, we are very sorry to hear about her passing away.. She was a great, friendly person!!! Remembered she loved chatting with us while we visited her a few times. We will never forget her. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May she rest in peace and be with your family in Heaven .. Hugs from Jan and Neil Gilson - Posted by: Jan and Neil Gilson (Friends) on: Mar 19, 2015

  • I lived in the same condo complex as Mrs. Heath for several years. She was a wonderful, friendly, happy woman, and I am glad to have known her. Though she moved out several years ago, I still think of her often. Knowing her was truly delightful. Sincerest condolences from myself and my parents to Bonnie and the rest of the family. - Posted by: Rick Neal (Former neighbour) on: Mar 19, 2015

  • I first met her when I was young, I was visiting her place with her daughter Gerry so I can meet Jean and Ross and I never forgot that I got my first tty a heavy one that they had in basement. They knew my family so long due to Gerry and my family had good memories and having Ross and Jean over at my cottage in Matlock long time ago. Even visited their new apt on Kenaston st. They met my son when he was baby, will miss Jean with her amazing wonderful personality she has. She is now reunited with Ross and Gerry having coffee and chats. Will miss u alot! - Posted by: Tara Caithness (a friend) on: Mar 19, 2015

  • Dear Bonnie, Our Deepest Sympathy to you and family. Your Mother (Jean) was a wonderful lady and bright side with great smile, also gave hugs while socializing in the deaf community also Deaf & Blind groups. Remember, Jean & I were talking about gardens, Jean says give me some beetroots tops and love have soup! I stopped at her place (apartment) and dropped off and she said come sit down and have some of soup. We did and enjoy the moments of chatting and good laughs. Sorry, we could not come to the funeral for Jean due work. Our prayers goes to you and family and Rest in Peace and her spirit with her lovely Husband Ross and daughter Gerry in heaven with God. Amen. - Posted by: Mrs. Jo-Anne & Mr. Paul Halas & Family (Winnipeg Deaf Community and Friends) on: Mar 18, 2015

  • Dear Bonnie, Stephen and Katie, What a beautiful tribute to your Mom and Grandma. I know how much she was loved by all of you. When I called Tori to let her know of your Mom / Grandma's passing, she said, "Oh I always loved Katie's Grandma!" Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Hold your memories close to your hearts now and forever. Hugs, Tori, Jan and Geoff Currier xoxo - Posted by: Jan Currier (Friend) on: Mar 18, 2015

  • We have many fond memories of Jean and she will always be in our thoughts. - Posted by: Kathy Brugman (Candler) Joepy Brugman (Friends) on: Mar 18, 2015

  • I'll always appreciate and remember Jean. Even though I only saw her from time to time, her face would always light up. Jean would always give you her full attention and she had a great sense of humour. I admired her deep faith in God - put into practice with a warm loving presence to all she met. I'll miss you Jean, but I'm glad you can now have eternal peace and joy with the Maker. - Posted by: Kyle Schellenberg () on: Mar 18, 2015

  • An amazing woman. - Posted by: BL Barker (admirer ) on: Mar 18, 2015

  • Bonnie, My deepest sympathy to you and your family at the passing of you Mom. She was a wonderful, accepting woman and she will be missed. - Posted by: Glenice () on: Mar 18, 2015

  • Dear Bonnie , I am sorry to hear your loss Mom and she was very Positive and friendly when I met her in Winnipeg long time ago.. I will miss her .. Susan - Posted by: Susan Smith (Friend) on: Mar 18, 2015

  • To Jean's Family & Relatives & Deaf Community. We are very sorry to hear about her passing away. She had a wonderful long life. Now she has no more pain & suffering. She is going home to see her hubby Ron. Our deaf community will always have good memories of Jean. Ross & Jean are a very good laugh & chat & Smiles. She is a wonderful lady. - Posted by: Jerome & Carla Yager (Friends ) on: Mar 17, 2015

  • Liette will never forget Jean Heath. Always each time, I saw her, She always has big smile and loves to talk with me.. I noticed that she was awesome person that she talk with anyone from child to Adult, Seniors, Deaf, Blind people and any kind of disability person. She made everyone feel comfortable that they can come up to her for advice, or chat with. Jean lived such awesome long life. Rest in peace and be with your family in Heaven!!! Raymond and I would like send our sympathy and hugs to Bonnie! - Posted by: Liette Gervais (Around in the Deaf Community friend) on: Mar 17, 2015

  • Dear Bonnie we are so sorry to hear about your mom. She was such a wonderful person. She has taught me a lot during the time when I moved in to the Deaf Centre to the time Brian started work at Superstore near her home where she got some help from Brian as a customer. We have so many laughs and memories together. The one day when I gave her a ride home she had brought me dinner and I have told her no you don't need to buy me dinner. But she did and I was thinking she wanted some company too. I know she has a lot of friends from far and wide. Now she is resting peacefully and had joined with your dad. May her rest in peace. Hugs from Brian and Bobbi - Posted by: Bobbi (Friend) on: Mar 17, 2015

  • Aunty Jean was such an amazing woman...she will be remembered and missed by us all. So thankful I got to see her again not that long ago and that my boys had another chance to see her!! Love to you all...wish I could be there with you guys to celebrate Aunt Jean's life...I will be thinking of you all and sending my love ❤️❤️ - Posted by: Sarah Belyk (great niece ) on: Mar 17, 2015

  • Thom & I are so sorry for your loss, Bonnie. I've always admired your mom - a strong woman who cared so deeply about the world around her. She was one of those rare deaf people who didn't let that get in the way of her need to connect with people. She'd do her own assessment of how she felt it was best to communicate with someone & then proceeded with it. Somehow she'd always pick a method that appealed to the other person such that they'd be willing to continue to converse with her. An innate gift! I'm glad to know she was able to leave this earth on her own terms ~ so like Jean! I tip my hat to you! - Posted by: Janice Hawkins (friend of the family) on: Mar 17, 2015

  • Bonnie, I remember meeting your mom and dad on a few occasions but I have never forgotten their warmth and love. You were truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people. My thoughts are with you and all of your family. Much love...Wendy - Posted by: Wendy Hedley (was Constable) (Friend) on: Mar 17, 2015

  • Jean had welcomed me with open arms into her home for 4 weeks while I was on my practicum placement as a Deaf Interpreter student from Halifax, NS 12 years ago. She has the biggest and most gentle heart. I became attached to her right away. I loved her sharing her stories from her past. She introduced me to the Deaf Communitiy in Winnipeg. I'm so blessed and honoured to have known her. I am so glad I got to see Jean last July 2014 while I was in Winnipeg. Jean has a very special spot in my heart forever!!!! ❤️xo - Posted by: Chrissy Montgomery (friend from the east coast) on: Mar 17, 2015

  • Dear Bonnie, Stephen and Family, our love and prayers to all of you. It was our most sincere honour to have had your Mom touch our lives during family gatherings. We fondly remember the lovely sparkle that was always in her eyes when we shared the time with her and we always felt the warmth that just radiated from her. God bless her for all the wonderful things she accomplished during her life here on earth. Love, Bill and June Cooper - Posted by: Bill and June Cooper (extended family) on: Mar 17, 2015

  • I didn't know Jean well, but what I do remember is as Bonnie's classmate I had the opportunity to meet Jean and Ross and to learn basic sign language. Jean and Ross were both lovely and loving people. May happy memories of your mom, dad, and sister transport you to happy times. - Posted by: Patty Bambrick (Former classmate of Jean's daughter, Bonnie) on: Mar 17, 2015

  • Bonnie, thinking of you and your family at this sad time. Mothers and Grandmothers are such special people and I understand from all I have heard about her she certainly filled those shoes. What a wonderful legacy your mother has left! - Posted by: Donna and John Burgoyne (friend) on: Mar 17, 2015

  • It was an honour to have known Mrs. Heath, Bonnie's mom. Her energy, positive spirit and limitless interest in the world around her were inspiring. Her children, grandchildren and friends have all learned from this great lady's wisdom and generous counsel. We share their grief and remember the extraordinary woman who graced us with her presence and love. Sue and Jeff - Posted by: Susan Quinton (friend) on: Mar 17, 2015

  • Dear Bonnie, we are sorry to hear loss your loved one mom. Jean was so sweet friendly person! Sending my sympathy. Melody & Dale - Posted by: Melody & Dale () on: Mar 17, 2015

  • Bonnie, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. I met her while working at the front desk at DCM about 15 years ago. She was so patient with me and my rusty ASL. I saw her a few times after I started working in a hearing centre and she would pass by my office on her way to her doctor. She will be missed. Sherri - Posted by: Sherri Clarke (Friend) on: Mar 17, 2015

  • Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. We love Jean Heath. She is very kind and sweet woman. We pay respect Jean to reward toward Deaf Community for her hard work for many years. We want to be said thank you to Jean Heath give us inspiration to our Deaf Community. God bless Jean Heath and her family from The Montney Family. - Posted by: A J (Close friend) on: Mar 17, 2015

  • I have fond memories of growing up on Chalmers and remember her kindness to all of us children. May the Lord Bless you with His peace! - Posted by: Joy Wright (nee Kurtz) (old neighbour) on: Mar 17, 2015

  • Dear Bonnie. I am sorry to hear of the passing of your mom, and let you know I am thinking of your family at this time. Jean was a caring and true friend. I will never forget her. Sending my sincere sympathy. Doreen - Posted by: Doreen () on: Mar 17, 2015

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