JEAN STANTON

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JEAN STANTON My "Rose of Verdant Valley" withered away at the break of dawn, on Saturday, January 25, 2003 - just as beautiful at 71 as she was at 17, when we first met. Her favourite expression was, "cute is everything", and she certainly portrayed that, with her radiant smile, and her willingness to help those in need. Loved, respected, and admired by all who knew her, she exuded charm and charisma; just recently a friend said to me, "I met her only once, many years ago, but I remember her vividly". She was our mentor, our Queen, and the Centre of our Universe - everything revolved around her. No task was insurmountable to her: library clerk, homemaker, travelling companion, photographer, gardener, cook extraordinaire. The unique "feast" she would prepare for each and every family gathering, is something we will never forget. She was perfection personified - truly a remarkable person. Her motto was, "anything worth doing, is worth doing well", and this was reflected in everything she did, as recounted by her one and only daughter Carol: Mom was born in Sudbury, ON, January 1, 1932, but spent her early life on a farm on the vast Saskatchewan prairie. Mom was the only "farmers daughter" of Czech immigrant parents. Her only brother Johnny was added to the family two years later. Growing up in the simplest of surroundings, Mom felt, as soon as she was able, she would leave her family home, to "live out her dreams" of becoming a "city girl". Her indomitable "pioneering spirit", though, would be so part of Mom, that she achieved more for herself, and the family generations, than anyone could have ever foreseen. Mom was a many "firsts" kind of woman. In the 60s, when housewives worked exclusively as housewives, Mom, out of necessity, with a family of six, went out into the real working world. She did not just abandon the family, but made sure all of us were cared for, and always gave instructions, on how to help each other, and be of help to her. Mom started her relationship with Transit Tom (City of Winnipeg) at that time, and wherever she travelled, got her "rest" on the bus, while coming and going to the workplace. Mom was the always smiling, always polite, always efficient, Eatons Grille Room Bakery Products employee, on the Main and Lower Level, Eatons Downtown. Its an incredible coincidence, that Mom has left us, and so has the "Grand Lady" of buildings - Eatons Downtown, crumbling during this time. Mom had the highest regard for Education. Once one completed whatever requirements were needed to get a job, Mom felt one could achieve any profession they chose. Mom, when in her early 40s, went back to school - a "dream" she had to wait for. In no time at all, she was at the top of her class, AND teachers pet at Red River Community College - Office Assistant Program. In fact, the teacher gave Mom a "lead" on a job, and felt Mom was the best qualified. Mom went for the interview, got the job, BUT, never did finish the course. She worked for the Department of Education Teachers Library, from 1975 to 1992. Computers were coming, but Mom mastered that, and still managed to work many, many, tasks at the library, and still greet a patron, at the Circulation Desk, with her warm, friendly smile. Her hobbies were many - when she had time, after her full-time Library job. Mom sewed, knitted, crocheted, and TLC-mended. Her vegetable and flower gardens were her sanctuary. And many benefitted, from her forever generosity, with the bounty that she reaped from her gardens. And we can still hear Mom saying, "Dont forget to feed the birds, and water the plants". Once retired, Mom delved into even more interests. Late night TV became a favourite pastime... Johnny Carson, Dave Letterman, Saturday Night Live, and Jay Leno, kept Mom company, till the wee hours of the morning. And, boy, those country music stars - wow, Alan Jackson, whom she never met, but did manage to meet Ricky Skaggs in a Nashville back alley. Mom and Dad loved to travel - trips to Disneyland/Disney World, Vegas, and Nashville, energized Mom, always with her camcorder and her camera at her side. Moms photographic specialties were flowers and nature scenes. Greg, youngest (now cinematographer) son, and Mom, were always comparing the "best shoots", "best angles", "best lighting", the "best film equipment", et cetera. Since Greg was her "educated professor", her "co-expert", they felt comfortable critiquing each others photographic wonders. Moms culinary creations have become generational heirlooms - those perfect and sought-after morsels, perogies, but the "Mom, Jean, Grandma Jean kind", taught the newest generation the definition of home cooking. And Mom always had "room for one more" at the family table (people, that is, not perogies). People were part of Mom, and she never turned anyone away, without giving something of herself, to show her caring, considerate nature. Mom, all of us "kids" are what we are "because of you". Your memory will be in our hearts forever. Your daughter and friend, Love, Carol. And... With eternal love and admiration... Wayne, Jeff, Greg, and all the Stanton families. We celebrated our 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary just over a year ago - now she is deeply mourned, by her brother Johnny, cousin Vera, and many cousins, nephews, and nieces. Husband Lloyd - who worshipped the ground she walked on, daughter Carol, constant phone companion, and Carols husband Gerry Sawatzky Sr., and grandson Gerry Jr., whom she adored, and across-the-miles granddaughter Tammy, in Calgary. Sons, Wayne - comedian and Toastmaster - still searching for the perfect soul-mate, and the first of our "three wise guys", as described by Mom. Jeff - steadfast and reliable - always ready with a helping hand, and his wife Judy, offering a haven of strength and support. Dear Donavon - a grandson, whose love she cherished, and granddaughter Cheyenne and her family, always fondly in her thoughts. And finally, "our baby" Greg, now cinematographer, and professor at Confederation College in Thunder Bay, ON - Moms Masterpiece - when Greg arrived she decided she could never do any better, and so, the mold was thrown away, as it was, when Jean was born. And his ever-loving wife, June, our indefatigable Wonder Woman, whom we consider to be our family treasure - we luv yaall to pieces. And Junes mother Edna who always provided us with faith and inspiration. Two more grandchildren, making a total of six. Our irrepressible Chad (8), always thinking, always building. And, our lovely April (12) - Moms crowning achievement, and legacy to the world - we can see Mom, reflected when we look into Aprils eyes. She has inherited all of Moms beauty, charm, wit, intelligence, and charisma, to pass on to future generations, yet to come. Our beautiful and beloved "Jeanie Rose" will bloom forever in our hearts. To me, she will always be simply, "My Genie", who made it all possible. I wrote this for Jeanie, 55 years ago, in 1947: "No equal can my Rose of Verdant Valley ever know The loving petals of my lovely rose my heart enfold And someday Ill wander proudly mid the flowers in Lovers Lane With my rose of Verdant Valley Evermore" "Lonely" Lloyd Memorial service to be held Saturday, February 1 at 1:00 p.m., Transcona Funeral Chapel, 1800 Day St., Winnipeg.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 01, 2003