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JEAN O'CONNELL

Born: May 06, 1913

Date of Passing: Mar 03, 2003

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JEAN O'CONNELL We are saddened to announce that our beloved sister and aunty Jean OConnell passed away peacefully at Donwood Manor Personal Care Home on Monday, March 3, 2003. While we will miss her immensely, we have found solace in knowing that she is once again reunited with her loving husband Maurice. Jeans kind and loving qualities will be sorrowfully missed by all that knew her but especially by her dear brother Michael Sawula and wife Kathleen, as well as her only sister Pauline Edmondson. She also leaves to mourn an only niece Cathy Cox and husband Herb; and her three precious great-nephews, Christopher, Adam and Robert. Jean was predeceased by her dear husband Maurice; her mother and father; and her very special nephew Gregory Sawula. Jean was born on May 6, 1913, in Winnipegs North End, the eldest daughter of Ukrainian and Polish immigrants Nicholas and Marie Sawula. As a youngster she attended King Edward School, enjoyed piano lessons and the company of her many friends. Growing up during the Depression, Jean worked hard in numerous sewing factories until she met and married her sweetheart Maurice on June 1, 1940. Jeans life was never the same since meeting Maurice. She learned the meaning of spontaneity, bartering and entrepreneurship very quickly and soon adopted Maurices contagious zeal for life, people and new experiences. Together they operated Jeans Green Thumb and Christmas Tree Stand, more for social purposes than financial benefit we are certain. They raised monkeys, budgies and even ducks on their little farm in the city. Maurice and Jean shared 61 years of happy times together. Whether visiting their favourite lake at Ingolf, ON, traveling with the Shriners, playing cribbage with friends or just entertaining guests in their gazebo, family and friends were a very important part of their lives. Jeannie has left us with many fond memories. Jeans proudest accomplishment was learning to dive at the age of 80. She attributed her good health and longevity to the many fond years she spent swimming, diving and socializing with her friends at the North End Y. Jean also enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting until her vision diminished. She loved to cook and especially enjoyed sharing her Ukrainian specialties with her friends. No one ever left Jeans home empty handed! Jean was a wonderful, loving and caring Aunty. She had a wonderful imagination - she designed costumes, organized crafts and planned projects for her nephews to enjoy during their many visits. She will always hold a very special place in the hearts of her niece Cathy and nephews, Christopher, Adam and Robert. Aunty Jean was the most generous, selfless and tolerant person anyone could ever hope for, and we were very fortunate to have her in our lives. She cared for us, spoiled us, comforted us and shared her love of life with us. We will cherish her memory forever. Memorial service will be held 12:00 noon, Saturday, March 8 at Korban Funeral Chapel, 907 Main St. Special thanks to all of the wonderful staff at Donwood Manor for the care and compassion you extended to our dear Jeannie during her stay there. KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 07, 2003

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