In Loving Memory of Jean Wuensch
Jean Wuensch (née Anderson), 85, of London, died May 6, 2025, shortly after beginning care at McGarrell Place. She leaves behind her stepson, Peter (Rachael Lynch); stepgranddaughters Anna and Mila; her sister-in-law Wendy; her nephew, Matthew; niece Caroline and cousin Liz.
Jean Anderson was born in December 1939 in Bradford, Yorkshire, in the north of England. From an early age, music filled her world. Her father, a tenor who played flute, piccolo, and tin whistle, shared Scottish and Irish songs with her as a baby—melodies that would stay with her throughout her life. Jean began playing piano and violin in childhood, setting the foundation for a lifelong passion for music.
She earned her Bachelor of Music from Nottingham University, followed by a Diploma of Education from Leeds University. Jean began her teaching career at a technical grammar school near Nottingham, and after three years, she crossed the Atlantic to teach at a girls’ boarding school in Faribault, Minnesota. That year turned into a lifetime abroad. She remained in the United States, teaching music in elementary schools before pursuing a Master’s degree in composition at the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
In 1969, Jean moved to Canada to join the Theory and Composition Department at the University of Western Ontario’s Faculty of Music. Her love for chamber music led her to write a wide variety of instrumental and vocal compositions, which were performed by her colleagues at the university.
A talented composer and proud member of the Canadian Music Centre, Jean was also an accomplished violinist, performing for two years with the London Symphony Orchestra and remaining a loyal supporter of their concerts throughout her life.
A person of deep faith and inclusive values, Jean sang in the choir at Metropolitan United Church for 20 years. She later joined First St. Andrew’s Church, drawn by its affirming spirit and inspired by Paul Merritt’s organ music and Frank Meadows’ preaching. She was a member of First-St. Andrew’s choir for more than 30 years. In addition, she composed several anthems for the church, along with works for the FSA Strings and chamber pieces for Lenten concerts. She also accompanied the Junior Joyfuls children’s choir for many years.
In addition to her productive and rewarding life as a composer and musician, Jean was a loving spouse to Gerhard Wuensch and stepmother to Gerhard’s son Peter. She met Gerhard in 1973, when he became the Chair of Jean’s department, and their professional relationship soon blossomed into love. The couple bought a home together, and when Gerhard’s 11-year-old son Peter came to live with them, Jean embraced her role in his life. She and Gerhard married when Peter was 15.
Jean became a beloved Preceptor in 1978, teaching Ear Training, Sight Singing, Keyboard Harmony, and Choral Arranging. Her retirement in 1995 gave her and Gerhard the opportunity to travel extensively—to Austria, England, Scotland, the Caribbean, and even Fairbanks, Alaska, where her Trio for Flute, Cello, and Piano was featured at the MusicAlaskaWomen Festival.
After Gerhard’s passing, Jean moved into a new community, where she made close friendships, learned to play euchre and bridge, and found joy in book clubs and baking. A devoted patron of the arts, she continued to attend concerts and support local music.
Jean’s life was one of creativity, generosity, and enduring kindness. Through her music, teaching, and community, she touched countless lives. She will be remembered with deep affection and gratitude.
A memorial service will be conducted at First-St. Andrew’s United Church, 350 Queen’s Avenue at Waterloo Street, on Wednesday, May 14 at 11 am. Donations to First-St. Andrew’s United Church, Friends of Music FSA, or London Symphonia.
To view the service online, please click this link: Jean Wuensch Memorial Service