JEAN ELAINE HILLYARD

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JEAN ELAINE HILLYARD October 30,1923 - May 20, 2018 ' A true love story never ends' Jean Elaine Hillyard, was born in Saskatoon on October 30, 1923. After a brief illness, surrounded by family, Jean was reunited with the love of her life, her husband, Bus Hillyard, who preceded her on April 2, 2016. At 94 years young, "TA DAH!" was one of Jean's favourite expressions. To the amusement of her family this announced accomplishments such as: extraordinary feasts, planned social events, completed projects or simply surprising all when entering a room. Accomplishments were many throughout her well lived life. Jean was an elegant, engaging and caring woman who made you feel important with every shared conversation. Her father being a banker resulted in the family moving to Calgary, Winnipeg, Montreal and Saskatoon. It was in Calgary where Jean as a child began her love affair with horses. Later as a young woman in Saskatoon, Jean owned her first horse becoming an accomplished rider. Following in her father's footsteps, Jean had a career as a bank teller. In 1947 the romance began with Jean marring the man of her dreams. Married to Bus with two children the family settled in Regina in 1952, living there for 60 years. During this time Jean actively gave back to the community with Meals on Wheels and as a docent with the MacKenzie Art Gallery, bringing her favourite travelling exhibit of Inuit art to elementary schools. Jean and Bus were contributing sponsors for the new MacKenzie Art Gallery. Active with Kinettes and K-40, Jean was one of the Governors overseeing the 1962 National Convention in Regina. She was a strong supporter of the Lakeview and Wesley United Church Auxiliary and the family often saw her delicious baking going out the door. A golfer in her early years with the Ladies League at the Wascana Golf and Country Club, Jean continued as an active social member. In 1960 she was the first woman to be asked to speak at the National Monarch Life Assurance Conference in Banff, Alberta. Always seen as a supportive neighbour, Jean is remembered for her ability to entertain friends and family with lovely meals and parties for all occasions. In addition to her cross stitching, Jean became an accomplished knitter creating gorgeous angora sweaters for herself and others. As a cancer survivor her story was documented in the 2009 spring issue of Canadian Cancer Society Magazine. Jean is survived by her son, Dr. Alex Hillyard (Judy Lloyd) and daughter Janie Lysack; grandchildren, Jason Hillyard (Catherine Lesawich), Scott Lysack (Nicole Smith), Meghan Jean Taylor (Matthew), Brodie Jean Bazinet (Eric), Wes Lysack (Ashley Kilback), Alexis Hillyard (Alison Brooks-Starks), Ainsley Hillyard (Clifford Kelly); great-grandchildren, Sabrina Bazinet, Maggie Jean Lysack, Wes Jr. Lysack, Sophie Lysack, Easton Kilback, Samuel Bazinet, Jack Taylor, Harper Jean Lysack; nephews, Leonard Hillyard, Rick Smith, Rick Hardy, Brad Hardy, Scott Hardy; and niece Brenda Dewar. Jean was predeceased by her father Alexander Cameron Smith, mother Marjorie Jean Brodie Smith, brother Alex Smith (Phyllis), nephew Alex Smith, and great-granddaughter Haley Joye Lysack. When great-grandson Sam Bazinet, age 9, was told it was time for Jean to be with Bus, his immediate response was, "Well, that is very good for great-grandma Jean, but very bad for us." Great-grandson Jack Taylor, age 5, replied, "That's ok, great-grandma Jean had a good life story". To all that knew them, Jean and Bus were an inspiration of 'true love and partnership' everlasting. The Hillyard/Lysack family extends their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Van-Dyk, Dr. Fatoye, Brook Swainson and the team of nurses and attendants for the excellent care and compassion that Jean received at Seven Oaks Hospital. The family also extends a warm and heartfelt thank you to the residents and staff of River Ridge II Retirement Residence. Their friendship contributed to Jean's happiness, her overall living comfort and care. A 'Celebration of Life' tea reception will be held July 27, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. in the Fort Garry Hotel. Celebrating Jean's love of animals, charitable donations may be made to the Humane Society, in lieu of flowers. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 02, 2018