Jean Isabel Abbott

Witness to nearly a century of history, Jean was born to Nettie (nee Baird) and William Mackie in their farmhouse near Bents, Saskatchewan. She grew up in the Great Depression, attending the one-room Hillview School at a time when electric power had not yet reached the region. She moved away from the farm to attend high school; three years in Harris and 1 year in Biggar, working for various families.

She maintained a lifelong correspondence with friend Barbara, her schooldays pen pal in England since 1942.

Determined to build a bigger future for herself, Jean went to Saskatoon City Hospital School of Nursing for two years, where she made lifelong friends, joined a sisterhood of graduates, and earned a Devotion to Duty medal.

Jean and sister Naida met Grant Abbott, a University of Saskatchewan engineering student, at a dance; he took them home in a taxi, earning Naida’s approval. Grant and Jean married in 1952.

Grant’s work took him first to Regina, then Sarnia, where Jean joined a bridge club and met friends she would stay connected with through decades and across cities. She continued to enjoy bridge until the last.

After three years in Toronto, Jean and Grant moved to Calgary in 1978. In Calgary she continued her nursing career. They embraced the outdoor lifestyle, hiking in the summers, and cross-country skiing in the winters. In retirement, Jean became the first non-employee President of the large and active Esso Resources Annuitants Club, adding involvement in their wine club to the outdoor activities.

Jean loved dancing, theatre and reading, always with a book on the go. She loved colourful clothing, shoes and cars, and filled her home with art, good cheese, good wine, and good conversation were always present; she was a skilled and generous host, both with Grant and on her own.

Jean is survived by sister Helen Barr; brother-in-law Frank Abbott, children William (Anne), Susan (Bruce) and Carter (Lenore). Her grandchildren Jaron, Eric, Breanne, Lauren, Brandon, Kelty, Sean and Jeff, together with their spouses and a growing cohort of great grandchildren were a source of pride and joy for Jean.

She was also very fond of, and maintained contact with many nieces and nephews, and their own growing families.

Jean was predeceased by Grant, her husband of 60+ years, brothers Raymond and Laurie, and sisters Kay and Naida.

She aspired to live a life without regrets and encouraged everyone in her life to do the same. Leffer went, Jean. You were ready to go, but we weren’t ready to say goodbye.

Celebration of Life to be held Tuesday, October 27 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm in the Great Room at The Manors of Westpark, 9449 19th Street SW, Calgary T2V 5J8.

Memorial donations to the charity of your choice.