Jean Carol Cameron

Jean Carol Cameron (nee Smith) passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her boys, on 25 June 2018. She was 85. She is survived by her sons Bruce, Scott and Dan. She is predeceased by husband Rufus, by brothers Edwin, Arthur, Murray and Muir and by her sister Charlotte.

Jean was a loving mother. She doted on “her boys” and was a involved in every part of their lives. Friends of her children became her children by proxy. This was exemplified when she took 12 children on a 2 week adventure to Expo 67 in Montreal. In spite of many challenges, including keeping those 12 kids together amongst hundreds of thousands of visitors, all had a great time. Many of these children remain friends today. Jean was always ready to help any child in need. When grandchildren came along they were the apple of her eye and all loved their “Grammy”. As her children became engaged in their careers she was a regular visitor to their homes wherever they were. She visited places as diverse as Haida Gwaii in British Columbia and Guatamala in Central America.

Jean was an accomplished pianist, starting from early childhood when she would play piano for Allied Servicemen invited to her parents’ home on Duffus Street during WW2. The sound of her piano filled our houses growing up on Symonds Street and Ryland Avenue in Dartmouth . She played piano by ear and could pick up any tune instantly. She was frequently in demand at a variety of charity events, most notably over 25 years playing at Northwood Manor. She also played for the Dartmouth Scottish Society and the Kilted Choir as well as at many church services. She was given an award for her charity work by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. Jean’s passion for music was demonstrated when she enrolled in music courses at Dalhousie University at age 60.

Jean was a highly skilled secretary, being accomplished in both short hand and typing. She worked for years at Dartmouth City Schools. She also typed many assignments for her children and their friends. When son Scott started his medical practice she served as his billing secretary.

We would like to thank all members of the extended family who stayed in contact with Mom during her later years. These included Tommy Smith as well as Bill and Corrinne Smith, but there were too many others to name. Their kindness will be long remembered. We would also like to thank personal care workers Margie Lewis and Tina Hall whose care and support of Mom was a true labour of love.

Jean will be sorely missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Society would be appreciated