JEAN HITCHINS MACKINNON

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JEAN HITCHINS MACKINNON

June 1, 1924 - November 15, 2022

The amazing life of Jean Hitchins MacKinnon came to its full and natural ending on November 15, 2022, at her home at Valley View PCH in Brandon in the presence of her closest friends. Jean was in her 99th year, just less than two years short of her targeted age of 100.



Born on June 1, 1924, Jean was the eldest daughter of Angus and Iris MacKinnon. Angus was a telegrapher with the railway, so Jean’s early years were lived out in Hargrave, Pierson, Miniota, and Deloraine. At the early age of 18, Jean began her teaching career in Wynona near Miniota, then on to Deloraine, Flin Flon, CFB Germany, Radcliff on Trent in England, and finally in CFB Shilo, Manitoba. She was very proud to earn two degrees from Brandon University, Bachelor of General Studies in 1974, and Bachelor of Education in 1976. Jean retired from teaching in 1982 and relocated to The Towers in Brandon.



Jean’s retirement years were filled with curling with the Silver Belles at the Brandon Club, Brandon Festival of the Arts, Knox United Church, attending the Opera in Winnipeg, singing in the Brandon University and Knox United Church choirs, spending her summers at her Lake Metigoshe cottage, travelling, and entertaining and enjoying the company of her many good friends.



Being a single woman throughout her life never held Jean back from doing all the things she wanted and enjoyed doing. She travelled extensively around the world, she sought a good education, was an excellent manager of her personal affairs, maintained strong relationships with all her friends and acquaintances, was a faithful and caring daughter to her mother and father, and a loving sister and aunt to her extended family.



Jean was sharp and independent and very much in control of her life until the day she died. She never missed a day without her jewelry on, lipstick applied, eyebrows high lined, her hair done and wearing a matching outfit and most importantly, speaking proper English! Jean’s tonic for life was an ounce (sometimes two) of brandy daily and to always look at the bright side of life.



During Jean’s final years, she resided in Victoria Landing and then Valley View Personal Care Centre.



Jean’s remains have been cremated and her ashes will be interred beside her mother and father in Deloraine. Arrangements have been made with Smith Funeral Home in Deloraine



A memorial service will be held for Jean MacKinnon, on her birth date, June 1, 2023, at Knox United Church at 7:00pm with a reception to follow. All her friends and acquaintances are invited to attend.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 27, 2023