JEAN DOROTHY WILLIAMS (BRACKSTON)

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JEAN DOROTHY WILLIAMS (BRACKSTON) It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mother, granny, gran gran, great-granny, sister, aunt and friend, Jean Dorothy Williams (Brackston) on March 10, 2019 at the age of 95, surrounded by the love and support of her family. Mom was born to George and Rose Brackston on January 15, 1924 in Horsham, England. She fondly spoke of her mom, dad and her siblings, especially her special little brother who she lovingly referred to as Shawny. While growing up during war times, she worked for the land army and just a few years ago received a medal from England for her efforts. In 1944, a handsome, young Welsh Canadian soldier swept her off her feet and on September 25, 1944, at the age of 21, she became a war bride and with the love of her life she immigrated to Canada. Mom and Dad had eight children. Their first was baby John Henry who passed away just days after his birth; his was a heartbreak that never left Mom. Seven more children were to follow along with many foster children. Mom had a special kind of love for children, the elderly and animals. She loved to dance and sing and in her younger years wanted to be a singer; this little dream was fulfilled later in life. Well in her 80s, Mom, along with her good friend Bill, formed a band they named "The Gift of Song". They would sing to the old folks at the Betel in Gimli and a few other establishments in the Interlake. Always young at heart, Mom never considered herself as one of those old folks. After Dad's passing in 2010, Mom continued, with a little help, to live independently on her own in her own home in Winnipeg Beach. She loved tending her gardens, knitting, needlepoint, feeding the birds, lounging on her outdoor swing with her coffee on a warm summer day and she especially loved visits from her family. For Mom family always came first. She was like a momma bear, you didn't get between her and her cubs and she considered all her sons and daughters-in-law as her own and took every opportunity to tell all of us, that no one better hurt her kids. Even at 95 she was ready for a dust up if anyone hurt one of us. Mom was predeceased by an infant son John Henry, husband Ernest John Williams, parents, George and Rose Brackston, brother Patrick, sister Sheila, and son-in-law Brian McCormick. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Sheila (Gerald), Nancy, Johnny (Alice), David (Susan), Thomas (Pat), Wendy (Jim) and Jeffery, 10 grandchildren, Pamela (Bill), Jason (Jacquie), Daniel (Sara), Kyra (Kelly), Matthew (Allison), Samantha (Marcel), Brad, Tina, Terra and Christopher, 10 great-grandchildren, Andreas, Vasilios, Nickolas, Brandon, Ainsley, Ethan, Ella, Hailey, Brody and Cameron, daughter-in-law Louise, four brothers in England, numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, the UK and Tasmania, and her beloved dog Willow. Mom's wishes were for a small gathering of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This will take place at a later date. Goodbye Mom, we were so blessed to have you in our lives strong and healthy for so many years. Donations in memory may be made to the Salvation Army, Siloam Mission or the Winnipeg Humane Society. "I love you more today and less than tomorrow."

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 23, 2019