JEAN SPENCE

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JEAN SPENCE At home on October 13, 1999 Jean Spence of Winnipeg quietly passed away at the age of 93. She leaves to mourn and remember her nephew John, his wife Elizabeth and their children, Paul, Michael and Janet Kemp; her niece Jean Vulliez, her husband Louis and their daughters, Suzette Vulliez and Janine Thornton; her niece Mary Bollman, her husband Rod and their children, Jill Zacharias and Philip Bollman; nephew Bob Duncan; nephew Barrie Duncan, his wife Nell and daughter Lynda; cousin Peggy Genge and cousin Carolyn Newton; her very special friend Susan Witiuk and family and a host of former students, colleagues, careworkers and friends from Winnipeg and afar. Jean was predeceased by three sisters, Ruth, Winona (Duncan) and Mary (Kemp). Jean was born in Winnipeg on June 3, 1906 the eldest daughter of the Reverend and Mrs. R.E. Spence. During her childhood she lived with her family in several towns throughout Manitoba and Northwest Ontario. Jean was highly educated and devoted her life to learning and teaching. By the time she finished high school she was an accomplished pianist and went on to Wesley College where she obtained her B.A. degree in 1927. After completing her teaching certification the next year, Jean embarked on a 43 year teaching career. Most of those years were spent in music at her beloved Gordon Bell High School. She is still fondly remembered and respected by former staff and cast members for her directorship of the annual musical productions, especially Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. After retiring from the Winnipeg School Division in 1971 Jean continued to be very active. For 18 years she volunteered as director of the Junior Choir at Westworth United Church. She was a longtime member of the University Womens Club and belonged to several book clubs. She was a patron of Winnipegs Symphony, Ballet and Art Gallery and a generous supporter of the global community. She enjoyed a good game of golf and loved to travel. More than anything she loved to be around family and younger people. Auntie Jean was the consummate teacher. Her absence will hurt. The family extends a sincere thanks to all of the friends and workers who made it possible for our Auntie Jean to stay in her home. Cremation has taken place. Interment will take place at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens prior to the service. A memorial service will be held at Westworth United Church, 1750 Grosvenor Avenue on Tuesday, October 19 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Clark Saunders officiating. A reception will follow in the church parlor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westworth United Church Access Fund, 1750 Grosvenor Avenue, R3N 0H9, or to a charity of ones choice. LEATHERDALE GARDINER 1501 Waverley Street 949-4860

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 16, 1999