On Wednesday, Dec. 18th 2024, peacefully with her daughters Jennifer and Julie by her side, Jean waved her final goodbye.
Jean was the beloved wife of the late John William Neal. Lovingly remembered by her daughters Jennifer and Julie and grandchildren Shea and Noah and Kira and Luke. Sister of the late Brian.
Jean “soldiered on” without her beloved John for 12 more years with perseverance and grace.
She worked tirelessly both inside and outside of their home on Kathryn Drive, a home she missed dearly after they downsized. Whether it was coordinating the flowers for spring window boxes outside, or setting her table with a one-of-a -kind centerpiece for the extraordinary dinner parties she would host inside – she loved it all. She was a true homemaker and an incredible host.
This same dedicated work ethic and pride of accomplishment followed her professionally for many years at the University of Western Ontario, where she worked and retired after almost 30 years as Secretary to the Dean of Physical Education.
Jean cared for people, places and things in the biggest and smallest of ways. She noticed the details in life that many were too quick to catch.
She loved British comedies, candy, reading, and the garden. She loved her cats, her home on Kathryn Dr., watching the birds, and both sitting and visiting on the front porch.
She had an exceptional grasp of the English language, leaving every crossword puzzle to fend for itself, was a master sandwich maker and was both quietly and wildly creative. She loved her calendar, watching people, had amazing friends – but was also so happy in her own company.
She did not like driving, pasta, dealing with anything financial or a draft.
Born in Warrington, England in 1936, she knew the realities of walking to school with a gas mask and preserving food (one egg a week). But at the age of nine her family made the brave move to travel the Transatlantic in the Queen Mary to Canada, to start a new life, and that she did.
She prioritized losing her accent to be accepted on the school yard and quickly learned to love Canada, but never lost her love for bangers & mash, mushy peas, HP Sauce and a scorching hot cup of tea – which was the cure for anything that ailed. She had a keen sense of superstition and because of that, would never put a brand new pair of shoes on the table (bad luck).
Jean retired early to embrace life with her John as they travelled by plane, train, boat and car – keeping good company together on many adventures. They were members of the Couples Club, Bayfield Bashers, Snowbirds and more. All social groups that involved dear friends that they so enjoyed.
As years wore on she was blessed with grandkids who she lovingly coined her “love bugs” and was always in awe of their stories, successes and disbelief at the rate in which they would grow.
Her sturdy childhood and exposure to a world in turmoil surely contributed to her endless optimism – and a belief that all things would inevitably “be alright”. She was living proof of this as she rebounded countless times both in life and in health.
But in her 89th year, just two days before her passing, she read her final magazine, one of her favorite pastimes. She left this earth leaving nothing but love, wisdom and a lasting impact on us all.
Jennifer and Julie are so grateful for the incredible team at Dearness Home, specifically the staff of the 5th Floor East, Birch Walk, who provided incredible, attentive and compassionate care in her final days.
Visitation on Sunday January 12th from 11:00-12:00 noon with a Service at 12:30 pm at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St. at Richmond. Afterwards, please join the family at Spencer Hall, 551 Windermere Road from 2-4 p.m. to celebrate Jean’s life.
Memorial contributions to Dearness Home would be appreciated. Donations can be sent by cheque to: Dearness Home, Attn: Phil Reynolds, 710 Southdale Road E., London, ON, N6E 1R8