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JEAN ELIZABETH CHAGNON (BREWSTER)
Born: Aug 20, 1942
Date of Passing: Dec 26, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJEAN ELIZABETH CHAGNON (BREWSTER) August 20, 1942 - December 26, 2012 After a brief but courageous struggle with non-small cell lung cancer, Jean passed away on December 26, 2012, at Concordia Hospital, surrounded by her family. Jean Elizabeth Brewster was born August 20, 1942, the only child of Leslie Colin Brewster and Elizabeth Betty Smart Monro of Transcona. Jean grew up in Transcona, and with the exception of a few years spent in St. Vital, spent her whole life there. She was at her happiest as she spent her summers at the family cottage at Lake Malachi, Ontario. Over the years, Jean was active in her church, Transcona Memorial United. She was also active in many community organizations. She joined Letitia Theta Rho Girls Club No. 1 in November of 1954, and became a councillor in 1995. She joined Confidence Rebekah Lodge No. 40 in 1964, and has served as the Past Noble Grand and Past District Deputy President. In 2007, her cousin Dorothy Mann served as President of the Rebekah Assembly, and Jean was her Assembly Marshall. In 2008, she received her Past Assembly Marshall Jewel. She later joined the Ladies Auxiliary Partiarchs Militant, Fort Garry Branch No. 1 in 1997 and attained the rank of Past President of her Auxiliary. She had been the Secretary of the Committee on Arrangements for many years and continued to hold this post at the time of her passing. Jean also served on the Transcona 2012 Homecoming committee. Jean graduated from Transcona Collegiate Institute in 1960, and went on to graduate from Red River Community College as a business education teacher in 1964. However, teaching did not end up as Jean's career as she joined CN Rail as a clerk in 1965. She worked her way up to Assistant Buyer, and eventually Buyer in the Purchasing and Materials Department, a position from which she retired in 1995. Jean met her husband James in 1967, and they were married on July 5, 1969. Together, they had two children, James Leslie (1972) and Kelly Maureen (1975). In June of 1992, Jean was reunited with her daughter Jana Stratford-Waterous, who she had given up for adoption in 1964. Jean was known for her good nature, giving heart, and sense of humour. Whenever she and Jim had an argument, they had a well-established and very democratic way of settling it. Any day that ended with the letters ay were Mom's days to win the argument - any other day was Dad's turn. She loved spending her time at the family cottage at Malachi with her many life-long friends, and recently built a new cottage that was fully insulated so the family could enjoy the solace of the lake all year long. She also loved crafting, and over the last few years had taken a keen interest in quilting, producing several pieces for use in the cottage. Jean was predeceased by her parents Les Breswter (1982) and Betty Brewster (1995), her father-in-law James Chagnon (2008), her mother-in-law Anne Chagnon (1997), and her son-in-law Spencer Stratford. She is survived by her husband Jim, daughter Jana (Jim), son Jamie (Michelle), and daughter Kelly (Jessie), as well as her many grandchildren (Stephen, Brenna and Shayla, Kaylee, Malcolm, and Kamrynn). Jean's funeral service will be held at Transcona Memorial United Church on Sunday, December 30 at 2:00 p.m. Interment to follow on Monday, December 31 at 10:00 a.m. at Transcona Cemetery - all are welcome to attend. The family would like to thank Dr. Darcy Johnson, Dr. Pat Harris, the Oncology Department at Concordia Hospital, and the nursing staff on the 3rd floor for making mom's last days comfortable. As well, we would like to acknowledge all of the family a friends who have included us in their thoughts and prayers - your support has been greatly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Manitoba Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the charity of your choice in memory of Jean. In tears we saw you sinking, We watched you fade away, You suffered much in silence, You fought so hard to stay. You faced your task with courage, Your spirit did not bend, But still you kept on fighting, Until the very end. God saw you getting tired, When a cure was not to be, So He put His arms around you, And whispered, Come with me . So when we saw you sleeping, So peaceful, free from pain, We could not wish you back, To suffer that again. Funeral Arrangements in care of Wheeler Funeral Home Cemetery Crematorium 1800 Day St. 224-1525
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 29, 2012
Condolences & Memories (21 entries)
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I was doing some research for our family and saw your wife, Jean's obit. I am very sorry for your loss. I never met Jean but knowing you she must have been someone special. I know this is late and don't even know if you will receive this or not. I know she is at peace with the Lord. Please accept our condolences. Joan and Ron - Posted by: Joan (Ahronson) Congram (Friend of Jim) on: Apr 16, 2015
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We were so sorry to hear of Jean's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim and family during this most difficult time. - Posted by: Ken and Deb Chorney () on: Jan 10, 2013
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How very sad it was to hear of Jean's passing. She was so optimistic and a fighter right up to the end. Jean and I go back to Grade One. We played together in her playhouse, sang together with our dear friends Doris and Jane and generally got into mischief both in Transcona and at Malachi. Happy memories all. Jim, you have lost a great gal. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Jim and Gillian Ross (Jill) (very old friend) on: Jan 04, 2013
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I didn't have the opportunity to meet Jean in person but we did communicate by email in our search for the Chagnon family roots. I am a cousin to Jim. My heart is heavy knowing I missed an opportunity. My sincere condolences to Jim and the family. Lenore Mason, Vancouver, BC - Posted by: Lenore Mason (Cousin to Jim) on: Jan 03, 2013
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We were so sorry to hear Jim of Jean's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Jean was a wonderful person adn I know she was your world. Take care Jim and Jana. - Posted by: Jackie and Rick Mason (Co-Worker adn Friend) on: Jan 02, 2013
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you will be sadly missed but i bet you will be looking after your little farm up in heaven hun - Posted by: paula beeke (facebook friend for a few years) on: Jan 02, 2013
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Jean, it was both a pleasure to know you and to work with you. Your generosity and optimism were a trademark of your character. You will not be forgotten. Jim, to you and your family I extend my sincere condolences in this time of sorrow. (I regret I was unable to attend the funeral but I was out of province). - Posted by: Elmer Pawliuk ((Friend & Work Colleague)) on: Jan 01, 2013
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I will never forget Jean as she was always so much fun to work with over the years at CN - she was always laughing and such a happy person to be around - she always talked so lovingly about Jim and the kids and was so proud of all of you - Duffy - Posted by: Duffy (Friend & Workmates) on: Dec 31, 2012
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Please pass on the condolences from the Giroux family Sandy, Russ and Jen and children. Our paths crossed several times in our lifetme starting at school then Wrens reserve and in latter years with the kids in sports. I will always remember Jean as a social butterfly and also as a caring mom and wife. God bless you all. - Posted by: The Giroux Family (Friend) on: Dec 30, 2012
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Jean worked tirelessly on the school reunion in 1981 and again on the Transcona 75th Jubilee. It was an exciting time and the tasks were endless but we seemed to foster a new pride in our old town. We all had a great time and relived childhood experiences, learned a lot of history and became even more proud of our town and the ancestors who preceded us. I will miss her emails and jokes and getting together at the TCI dinners in May and October. Till we meet again! Deepest sympathy to Jim and family. Wilma and Wilson - Posted by: Wilma Hewitson Parasiuk (Transconians, Central School choir and skippers, TCI Reunion committees, Transcona 75th Jubilee Com) on: Dec 30, 2012
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Jim and family, We are so very sorry to hear about the loss of your wife, mother, and of course best friend. We are so happy to have known her and being your neighbor for 25 years. Our hearts go out to everyone! She truly was a wonderful person! God Bless...xoxox - Posted by: Jackie ,Glenn McIvor and family (Neighbors) on: Dec 30, 2012
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We were greatly saddened to hear of Jean's passing. While we will miss her greatly, we were comforted to know that she left us peacefully. We are sorry that we couldn't attend the funeral. Someone had to stay behind to tend to the stoves at Malachi. At least Jean had an enjoyable last summer at the lake. Jim, we look forward to seeing you back at the lake. Until then, take care, know we are thinking of you. - Posted by: Brent & Louise Sanderson (Friend and Lake Neighbor) on: Dec 30, 2012
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So sorry to hear of your loss Jana. We didn't personally know Jean, but we know just how much it meant to Jana to reconnect with her mother, just how special Jana thought she was. Our prayers are with you and your family Jana and Jim. - Posted by: Cheryl and Mike Thomas (friend of daughter, Jana) on: Dec 30, 2012
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It was a great pleasure to have known Jean. We had a lot of fun as teenagers attending her birthday parties on the flat rock out behind her mom & dad's cottage. Jean always impressed me as a great sport ready to try anything. With Jean as my partner in Indian Leg Wrestling, we never lost. I never was able to beat her either. - Posted by: Jack & Michele Reid (friends) on: Dec 29, 2012
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A wonderful cousin. Will miss Jean very much. - Posted by: Ellen McFarlane (cousin) on: Dec 29, 2012
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Jim and family; We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We have always felt blessed to have had neighbors like yourselves. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of mourning. - Posted by: Dave and Liz Paulusma (Friend) on: Dec 29, 2012
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Jackie And I well recall the many good times we had together as teenagers in Transcona. While distance separated us from seeing each other, we did enjoy reunited briefly during the high School reunion a couple of years ago. We had age, schools, religion and a love for the Transcona community in common. Jean will be missed. Jackie & Bob ESselmont - Burlington Ontario - Posted by: Bob & Jackie Esselmont (School friends) on: Dec 29, 2012
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Jean and I reconnected from our past years of knowing one another in our teens. We went to the same dances and school. Jean & I reconnected when we both joined the Transcona Homecoming Committee.She was a big part in making the Reunion a big success. She will always be remembered by her kind, happy spirit & her positive attitude. I spoke to Jean a few weeks ago. I was praying for her. Her love for Jim and her family radiated when she spoke of them. We will miss you Jean. You are a true angle of God and you did his work here on earth. Thanks for your friendship. Rest in Pease my friend. Helen - Posted by: Helen Torchia (Friend) on: Dec 29, 2012
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Jean and I go back to grade school and went to the same schools until grad. We were members of the Young Peoples group at Memorial United and also sang in the choir. We were also "lake buddies" at Malachi during our teen years. I will never forget the day Jean was at our cabin and was playing with the younger of the two tame crows we had. I guess she squeezed "Alvin" too hard and he started to squawk. "Crawford" who was older and had started to fly was sitting in a tree watching and when the distress call went out he had to "save" his little buddy. He landed on Jean's head and started pecking and scratching her hair. Lucky we were able to get him off her head and there was no real damage done but many times when I would run into Jean somewhere we would always get a laugh remembering that time. Rest easy Jean, we will all miss you. - Posted by: Ron Pearson (Longtime Friend) on: Dec 29, 2012
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Sorry to hear about her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jim and Family. - Posted by: Jack and Jacquie Puranen (Friends from the lake.) on: Dec 29, 2012
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Our daughter grew up with Kelly at the Lake and we knew Jean to be a generous and kind friend, she will be sorrily missed by our family. Our condolences to Jim..... - Posted by: Tom Bilewitch (Friend and Lake neighbor) on: Dec 29, 2012