Jean Eleanor Harvey

Jean was born in 1931 to Leatta and Charles Mitson in Mitchell, Ontario, the eldest of two daughters. The family moved to Dundas, returning to Charlie’s roots, in 1935 where they bought a funeral home (Mitson Funeral Home). Younger sister Nancy was born 4 years later. It was an wonderful start for the family - Charlie was “a Dundas boy” and Jean would remain “a Dundas girl” the rest of her life.

Jean met Burge Harvey at a Saturday night Town Hall teen dance during a ladies tag. Handsome, ambitious and a great dancer; they married the following year July 22, 1950. They had four children: Janice (Michael), Andrew (Sharon), Matthew (Joelle) and Robin.

Life was busy: managing the household, summers at the Lake Erie cottage, curling in the winter, later downhill skiing. When their youngest was 7 years old Jean decided to return to school earning a teaching certificate, beginning at University Gardens with grades one and two. While teaching she attended McMaster University part time and earned a BA in Comparative Religion. During these years Jean and Burge bought a Baskin-Robbin’s franchise in West Hamilton in the late 1970’s that they operated together for 14 years.

Jean was a life-long learner and expert in sewing, knitting and smocking. She was a longtime member of St. Paul’s United Church, where she helped with pastoral care and was part of many church groups. She was recognized for her volunteering dedication at Dundas Museum & Archives and was also a member of Zonta International.

Kind and creative, Jean was a positive force of nature. Her warm and encouraging personality invited strong, lifelong friendships. Jean’s sparkling smile and mischievous sense of humour is remembered and treasured by all who met her. She was often greeted in the street by a former pupil or one of her employees from Baskin-Robbin’s whom Jean had hired in their first part-time job. All were delighted to see her and reiterated their thanks for her dedication and mentorship.

Predeceased by Burge in 2012, Jean is survived by her sister Nancy Dickson (Wayne). She is also survived by her four children and their families, including seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren (with a seventh expected soon).

Cremation has taken place. On Thursday, October 2nd at Marlatt Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 195 King Street West, Dundas, there will be a visitation (10 a.m.), followed by a memorial service (11 a.m.) and private interment attended by immediate family.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Dundas Museum & Archives or to St. Paul’s United Church, Dundas.

The family thanks staff at VON Canada, Ontario Health at Home, Dr. David Johns and Chartwell Georgian Residence for Jean’s care.