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Carrie Roth posted a condolence
Monday, June 6, 2022
My "Funny Aunt Jean" was truly that. She could make you chuckle with her laugh and had a bounding enthusiasm towards life. She was always interested in what you spoke about and made conversation easy and enjoyable.
I will always have fond memories of FAJ babysitting my sisters and I as little girls. When my Mom and dad would take trips FAJ would always stay with us for several days and teach my sisters and I various skills. I still recall that she taught us how to cook! Whether it was her famous "baked potatoes", or baked chicken or duck, she was quick to teach us new skills. She took the time to teach me my timetables in Grade 3 and "write them on the ceiling" so they would be etched in my memory. It really worked too! She taught me ways to memorize my Canadian Geography and rhyme off the provinces and capitols without a hitch!
As we got a little older, FAJ would visit my mom and us girls every Tuesday Night with a dinner in hand and a bucket of ice cream that would be waiting for us after our evening swimming lessons. It was the best night of the week. She would then wake up super early for her weekly Caledon Ski day, throw on her long johns and ski pants, toss her hair up in the famous "Aunt Jean Bun" and roll on out in her little Volvo.
She hosted an annual Mother's Day "work day" at her home and would feed a family of 25 people 5 varieties of soups! I was especially fond of her famous crab dip and baby banana muffins.
Years later, Aunt Jean was very influential in my decision to further my skills in Special Education. She was no doubt, an encourager and educator.
Thanks for the memories. You'll always be my "Funny Aunt Jean".
Carrie Roth (Great Niece)
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Sheila MacDonald posted a condolence
Monday, April 18, 2022
Jean befriended my parents, Roger and Marjorie Chittenden at Geneva Park many years ago. The friendship lasted for the rest of their lives and even after they were gone, my sister and I never lost touch with Jean. We visited her at Tapestry for some years. She was always so encouraging and interested in anything we wanted to tell her. She was a very special person and we will miss her always.
Sheila MacDonald
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Lee Anne Kuyt posted a condolence
Friday, April 15, 2022
Jean moved into her house next door to us on a sunny August day in 1982. Such an engaging woman with a wonderful laugh, that was Jean's alone, and it lit up her surroundings wherever she went. Once she settled in, she would invite us over on occasion for the most wonderful meals. Those occasions were always learning experiences for us, as the "teacher" in Jean would involve us in creating these meals and we always learned so much!
Jean was always ready to lend a helping hand wherever she could. In 1991, when Lee invited her to attend a surprise 40th Anniversary party for her parents, Jean jumped in with the offer to make all of the food for the occasion and she was so thrilled to be able to do it. She went above and beyond and Lee will be forever grateful.
Jean clearly loved her family, and they her. It was so evident each year when she would have everyone come to her home and they would all work together to clean up the gardens and yards together, for "Aunt Jean". We got to know Jean's family and they us, something not very common in these times when so many tend to keep to themselves.
Jean was the best neighbour we've ever had, not just to us but to most living around her at the time. It was very sad when she announced that she would be moving to Tapestry, but we were able to keep in contact and even went to visit. Ruby spoke with Jean just a week or two prior to her passing and is so glad to have had that last connection.
Jean will surely be missed, but will forever live in our hearts and memories.
Ruby Norton
Robert and Lee Kuyt
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Patti Crosby-Moldowan posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Jean was truly a remarkable person and a cherished life long friend of the Crosby family. I got to know her after she retired and moved to Markham. Her love of life, knowledge, wisdom, kindness, true friendship and ability to create amazing meals were unparalleled. She will be in my heart and the hearts of my children forever!
Patti Crosby-Moldowan
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Ken Moores posted a condolence
Monday, April 11, 2022
My time spent with Jean was far too short.There are too many wonderful memories to begin to share any specific one. Suffice to say that 1973-74 the year of my secondment from TDSB to Claremont was the most enlightening, instructive and enjoyable of my thirty-five years of teaching. Swampy ,as she was known to many, had assembled the most informed, talented, and creative cast to implement her passion for the environment and to hopefully inculcate in all of us, a "reverence for life." Jean's boundless enthusiasm,knowledge,and"joie de vivre" made that year , one I will truly treasure forever.
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Alice Casselman posted a condolence
Sunday, April 10, 2022
My fond memories of Jean as friend, colleague and mentor stretch over more than 5 decades. There are thousands of stories to tell. We worked with and for students to experience the outdoors. I will miss her supportive voice of wisdom and shared experiences, her great laugh and brilliant mind, listening and problem solving.
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Carol Dyck posted a condolence
Friday, April 8, 2022
Herm and Carol Dyck cherish wonderful memories of skiing with Jean every weekend during the winter months. She was a great sport and a great friend. She lived a wonderful life and was such a motivating influence to so many people and always greeted you with such enthusiasm .
Jean will be sadly missed,
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Lindsay Campbell posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Jean was an amazing, inspiring teacher, who became a very dear and special friend! She had a wonderful way of making people feel important and cared for! We enjoyed getting to know her beloved Tim, as well! I will miss our visits, phone calls and the sound of her laughter and joy! Wishing all the family sincere condolences! How blessed you were to have your Aunt Jean!
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Jane Swire posted a condolence
Monday, April 4, 2022
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Cousin Jean. Our family has enjoyed her company over many years. My dad always said she was like a sister to him. She held a very special place in our hearts. She will now be able to do all the things she loved!
Much love
Dorothy and Andrew Anderson
Jane and Jeff Swire, Jackson and Jesse
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Helen Findlay posted a condolence
Monday, April 4, 2022
From right out of high school, I had the fortunate pleasure of working for Jean at the Claremont Field Centre. Her enthusiasm and passion for the great out-doors were so infectious, that I continued working with her at Albion Hills.
Not only was Jean an amazing mentor but also a supportive, caring and genuine person. Our time together had spanned 44 years where we shared in tears of laughter, as well as sadness and took "every day as a gift".
My husband and two daughters also considered "Aunt Jean" an extended member of our family. A sincere appreciation is extended to this amazing lady, who saw the leadership potential in my girls, and to this day credit their successful careers to Jean's endless support.
We truly have lost one amazing friend. You will be forever in our hearts, Jean.
Helen, Godfrey, Nikita and Natasha Findlay
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Tricia Stevens posted a condolence
Monday, April 4, 2022
I had the pleasure of working at Tapestry and being a part of Jean's life for the last 5 years. There was nothing she loved more than her family, friends and the children she helped mentor. Jean always had a thirst for adventure and passed down that love to so many of her students. Jean always had something positive to say. She had a way of making you feel like you were extraordinary, special and one of a kind with just her smile. I am greatly going to miss Jean around Tapestry. I will never forget her. She holds a very special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with the family
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M Mistele posted a condolence
Sunday, April 3, 2022
I loved Jean and her love of life and nature. She taught me so much about kindness, hard work, gratitude and positivity. Her sense of humour and infectious laugh always brought joy to every gathering. I met Jean at Geneva Park and cherished our summers and yearly get-togethers with our Geneva Park friends. Jean was a mentor and a friend that shared her pearls of wisdom about integrity and the importance of surrounding yourself with amazing people. She was the queen of the nature hut and the kitchen. I will really miss Jean.
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Marie Kipen posted a condolence
Sunday, April 3, 2022
Miss Wansbrough was my science teacher in grade 6 at Swansea and sent me to Albion Hills school for a week in early spring - the most enlightening experience of my life - "you mean the stuff in books is real?". This brought into focus my life long intellectual curiosity. A few years later at the Doe Lake Girl Guide Camp Miss Wansbrough was the 500 point prize in a competitive treasure hunt. Rolled in a tarp, laying in the understory shrubbery in the forest she was the last to be found, at least an hour after all others had been discovered!
She was always smiling, had an infectious laugh and truly cared for every student. Miss Wansbrough was 'one-of-a-kind'!
Marie Kipen
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Kevin Ward posted a condolence
Saturday, April 2, 2022
I just learned of Miss Wansbrough’s passing and all of these wonderful memories came rushing back as one of her students at Swansea Public School in the late 60s. She was affectionately call “Swampy” – taking our class on numerous outings to the local marshes to identify all manner of flora and fauna. She sent me to the Toronto Island Natural Science School several times where my understanding and love of the great outdoors grew and remains with me today. Most of all I remember her unwavering kindness and beaming smile. I wish I would have had the opportunity to thank her face to face. Thank you Miss Wansbrough. I am so deeply honoured to have been one of your students.
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Kevin Davison posted a condolence
Saturday, April 2, 2022
Jean was such a wonderful woman. She was so kind and loved living here at Tapestry. Always the first in the pool in the morning she will be sorely missed. Rest Well Jean! Kevin Davison
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Jean Ashworth Bartle posted a condolence
Friday, April 1, 2022
As a novice teacher myself, I first met Jean Wansborough in June of 1966 when she brought her Grade 6 Class from Swansea School to the Albion Hills Natural Science School for a week. I will never forget her warmth, humour, brilliant teaching skills and the deep interest she took with each and everyone of her students. I subsequently taught for over thirty years, and never forgot this woman nor her impact on me as a new teacher. During my career she was without doubt the finest teacher I ever came across. Decades later, I discovered Jean was the beloved Aunt of my husband's daughter-in-law! How pleased I was to be able to tell her the positive impact she had on my life!
She will be missed by many...a one-of-a-kind! My deepest condolences to her family.
Jean Ashworth Bartle C.M., O. Ont.
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Jordan posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, April 1, 2022
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A beautiful tribute to an incredible. Looking forward to learning more stories about Funny Aunt Jean.
Sharing an excerpt from the book Embers, One Ojibway’s Meditations by Richard Wagamese:
* * *
Me: I miss my mother sometimes. Really bad.
Old Woman: Maybe try missing her really well.
Me: How do I do that?
Old Woman: See that sunrise? See how beautiful the colours are? How clear and clean the air feels? How good it feels inside of you?
Me: Yes. It’s wonderful.
Old Woman: She lives in that. So maybe just say, “Thanks, Mom." when you see and feel things like that.
* * *
May we miss her well!
Love,
Jordan
166 Main Street North | Markham, Ontario L3P 1Y3 | Phone: (905) 294-2030 | Email: info@dixongarland.com
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