MARGARET JEAN BAPTIST

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MARGARET JEAN BAPTIST

Following a life marked by creativity, tenacity and courage, Jean died peacefully December 6, 2024 at the age of 92.

Jean was predeceased by her husband John, grandson Jordan, and siblings Mary, Lorna, Denis, and Billy. She will be lovingly missed by her sons Darryl (Janis) and Lloyd (Karen); and daughter Lynn (Neville); as well as beloved grandchildren Kim, Laura (Ryan), Jason (Carrie), Kyle (Charity) and Marlo (Eric), great-grandchildren Connor, Zachery, Emilee, Rowyn, Sawyer, Huxley, Forrest, Eamon, Audrey and Brodie and her great-great-grandson Xavier. Surviving Jean are two siblings, Leila and Leslie and many dear nieces and nephews.

A true product of the Canadian prairies, Jean was born into farm life in Churchbridge, Saskatchewan in November of 1932, the first child of Edward and Vera Putland. A childhood bout of osteomyelitis in 1941 altered the trajectory of Jean's childhood and necessitated a prolonged hospital stay in Winnipeg far from family. Upon her return home, an elaborate traction device limited Jean's ability to participate in the physical labor of the farm, and although confined to her bed, the pleasant sounds of a growing family surrounded and comforted her.

Perhaps it was during her convalescence that Jean developed her love of reading. This passion for literature, particularly Canadian authors, made for easy gift giving at birthdays and Christmas. For Jean, there was no greater material present than a book. From a lifetime of reading, sprang a desire to share her life story. A writing group helped Jean hone her tales and in 2022, she published her memoir, "Smile Because it Happened". In true prairie fashion, she embarked on a book tour to deliver her book to family across the plains and into Ontario.

Like many intelligent young women of her day, Jean studied teaching at Normal School in Moose Jaw. Her first post was at Shamrock School, where a chance encounter with her landlady's younger brother led to a marriage proposal and a long happy life with John. They moved to Winnipeg to further their careers, John at the University of Manitoba, and Jean as a kindergarten teacher and later as a teacher/librarian with Winnipeg 1. Family life was punctuated by camping trips and adventures instilling a love of the outdoors in all their descendants.

A scholar of design, Jean planned a beautiful home in the Manitoba countryside known as the "Bog and Bush". Many warm family memories were born here amongst the impeccably curated Christmas tree and the emerald and ruby table decor. Jean was sure to serve everyone's favourite holiday food (she kept a running file) to accompany the laughter and the endless games of cards.

Until recently, Jean, a fiercely self-reliant woman, remained in her own home. Supported by her daughter Lynn and son-in-law Neville, Jean was able to continue to reside with dignity and independence. Once again, the pleasurable sounds of family and visitors surrounded and delighted her throughout the last year of her life.

The family would like to thank the WRHA Palliative Care Program, Home Care staff and JTRC Patient Care Services who helped to care for Jean in her home with Lynn and Neville. Family and friends wishing to do so can make a donation in Jean's memory to Rossbrook House https:// rossbrookhouse.ca/options-for-giving/ or a charity of their choice. Cremation has taken place and a private celebration and interment will occur at a later date. Bardal Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

In the end, we'll all become stories.

Margaret Atwood

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 14, 2024