Jean Anne Ford

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JEAN ANNE FORD
1938–2015

Jean Anne Ford was born in London, England on May 1, 1938 and died peacefully early Sunday morning, May 31, 2015 at Rest Haven Nursing Home, Steinbach, Manitoba.

Her parents, with their seven children, immigrated to Canada in 1957 when Jean was 19. They settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba where Jean immediately found employment. Most of her family moved to the United States in 1961, but Jean chose to stay in Winnipeg where she continued employment in the clothing industry for many years. She was happy that her oldest brother also stayed in Winnipeg. She enjoyed many visits with her family in Minnesota, as long as she was able to travel.

She married Charles Waite in 1981 and they lived in a lovely cabin in Sandilands, Manitoba. She began employment with the Haven Group, Steinbach in 1984, in the housekeeping department at Rest Haven Nursing Home. Here she served and loved the residents until her retirement in 1998. She was also greatly appreciated by the staff for her lively sense of humor and meticulous work.

Jean loved animals, especially big dogs and Siamese cats. She enjoyed telling us of how she ‘danced’ with her Great Dane, when he put his paws on her shoulders! She also enjoyed the outdoors, going out with her camera to capture the beauty of nature, especially in the Sandilands area.

In 2001 she sold her house in Sandilands and moved to Woodhaven Manor, adjacent to the Rest Haven. This allowed her to continue to serve there as a volunteer, bringing joy to many seniors. She also volunteered as a palliative care companion, bringing comfort by sitting with those who were on their last journey to their eternal home.

After Jean was diagnosed with dementia in 2013, she moved to Cedarwood Supportive Housing where she enjoyed her one-bedroom apartment. In September 2014, when it became evident she needed more care, she moved into Rest Haven Nursing Home. We would like to express deep thanks for the compassionate and loving care by the staff at both these residences. You made Jean’s last years comfortable and enjoyable, providing a variety of activities to allow her to interact with others. Her caring personality was evident wherever she lived as she sought to help those around her.

Jean loved the Lord and showed it in so many ways in her relationships with people. She was baptized at the Christian Fellowship Church in 2002 and later attended the Evangelical Fellowship Church in Steinbach. Her wonderful sense of humor and gracious demeanor made her a joy to know. She will be missed.

Jean was predeceased by parents, Robert and Ethel Ford, and her beloved step-mother, Marjorie Ford. Jean spoke often of the parents she obviously loved and missed.

She is survived by her loving siblings: Geoffrey and Eleanor Ford of Ottawa, ON; Carole and Peter Gardner of Bettendorf, Iowa; Keith and Betsy Ford, Christine and David Tommerdahl, Trevor and Denise Ford, Julie and Chuck Lee, all of Minneapolis MN, and their families. She also will be greatly missed by her ‘adoptive’ family, Glen and Betty Koop and their family in Steinbach, Manitoba.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 Hwy 52 W, Steinbach, MB. Viewing at the chapel prior to the service. Burial will follow at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, MB.

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Jean may be made to Mennonite Central Committee or Haven Group Foundation (In cheque memo line: Rest Haven Nursing Home).

Arrangements by
BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Jun 02, 2015