JEAN MONK

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JEAN MONK April 13, 1927 - July 16, 2016 In her 90th year, Jean passed away peacefully on July 16, 2016 at the Grace Hospital. Jean was predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years, Harry, in 2010. She was also predeceased by her parents, Alfred and Edith Thomson, her brother George, sisters Mary, Jessie, Nellie and Winnie, her father-in-law, Harry Monk Sr., and her mother-in-law, Phyllis Cedar. She is survived by her sister, Heather (Kal). Jean will be sadly missed by her son, Harry (Patty), daughter, Pam (Terry), grandson Todd, granddaughter, Krista (Nathan), special friend, Tiffany, and great-grandchildren, Sofia, Harrison, Roxanna and Mila. Jean was born in Tibbermore, Scotland and immigrated to Canada in 1929 with her parents and the family. After arriving in Winnipeg, the family eventually settled in St. James. Jean attended high school at Linwood School before becoming employed with the Dominion Bank, where she eventually was promoted to Head Teller. Jean married the love of her life, Harry, in 1946. After moving to Vancouver for a period of time when Harry attended university, they returned to reside in St. James. Jean was a stay at home Mum, lovingly raising Harry and Pam and fondly caring for a variety of family pets. Jean became active in the family business, College Electric Ltd. as the bookkeeper in the 1950s, and worked from a home office. In 1978, when the business relocated to its current location at 268 Albany St., Jean assumed the additional role as receptionist. Jean was the familiar voice on the phone and friendly greeter to customers for over 30 years. She worked alongside Harry in the business until September 2009. As a youth, Jean was an accomplished speed-skater. As a teenager, she loved the music and dancing of the wartime years in the 1940s. Jean became an avid curler in the 1960s. She was member of the Deer Lodge Ladies Curling Club for many years, serving on the Executive and as President. Jean established the first Junior Girls curling league at the club, introducing and promoting young women into the sport. She successfully skipped her rinks, winning a number of championships and bonspiels over the years. Jean also enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Assiniboine Golf Club. Jean was active in a women's card club for many years playing whist. She also enjoyed playing bridge and attending weekly bingo games at local community clubs. Jean and Harry were loyal Blue Bomber fans and were season ticket holders for many years. In their 20s, Jean and Harry spent time at Lee River Falls and eventually acquired property on Lee River in 1955. They built their cottage in 1956 and spent as much time as possible over the years at the lake, which clearly was their happiest place. Over the years, Jean and Harry travelled throughout Canada and the United States and had many trips to California which they loved. Other highlights of their travelling days, included tours of Europe and Scotland which they particularly enjoyed. They attended numerous Lennox Dealer meetings over the years that took place in various locations including Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera. In 1997, they purchased a winter home in Yuma, Arizona and spent 13 winters in what became their "second" most happy place. In 2011, Jean moved to Sturgeon Creek II Retirement Residence and was able to continue to live independently. She enjoyed volunteering as a "Senior Buddy" to school children, playing bingo, taking the bus trips to various destinations and attending the musical performances. Here she made new friends and was able to reconnect with old friends and acquaintances from the St. James area. She appreciated the support she received from the staff there and access to all the amenities. Jean was well known for her unique character, sense of humour and quick wit that brought a smile to those she encountered. She was a loving mother and grandmother and was especially pleased to be able to welcome four great-grandchildren into her family. She will always be lovingly remembered. On Jean's behalf, the family wishes to acknowledge the care and comfort that were extended to her by the staff of Sturgeon Creek II, the W.R.H.A. Home Care staff, special friend, Heather, and the staff at Grace Hospital Emergency and 5th floor. A private interment is planned. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those wishing to do so, are welcome to make a donation to a charity of their choice in Jean's name.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 23, 2016