OBITUARY

Jean Priestley

October 13, 1926 – June 19, 2018

Priestley, Jean (Reid)

Mum, Nanny, Nanny Cookie died peacefully on June 19, 2018 at the age of 91 after a 13 month stay at Gilmore Lodge. Beloved wife of Harry, who predeceased her in 2016, and mum to Glenn Keith (Barbara) Priestley of Ottawa and Julie Lynn (Stephen) Reiman of Chippawa. Cherished nanny to Amanda Jean Reiman of Toronto, Glenn Stephen Reiman of Niagara Falls and Emily Caroline (Travis) Gillis of Cold Lake, AB. Nanny Cookie to Jaxon Jesso of Toronto. Loving sister to Florence Caroline, Arthur Keith, both deceased.

Born in Hoyland, Barnsley, England Oct. 13, 1926 to James and Florence Reid. Being under-aged, she would take herself to the infant’s class at school until the headmaster gave in and registered her. All her life she was curious, capable and competent at everything she turned her hand to. She exuded the virtue of a noble woman as it is found in Proverbs 31,”She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness”. She loved the company of women and at the tender age of 11 her mother died. As was the custom of the day back then the women from the Women’s Auxiliary took her alongside to their weekly meeting, mentoring and teaching her to knit. These skills became a lifelong pastime, knitting balaclavas, mitts, and raising rabbits for fur gloves to be given to military men and women during the war. After finishing high school she trained as a seamstress at her uncle’s factory in Dewsbury. As was with most of her sewing, hand stitching was her forte; aiming to present 12 stiches per inch with precision. She gifted many brides-to-be with custom designed, hand sewn wedding gowns and complete wedding ensembles. Little babies christened in the finest satin and lace, all hand done by her delicate hands.

She met Harry and enjoyed riding on the back of his motorcycle over the moors and being together at the weekly dances. They married on March 29, 1952 and left England in 1954, coming to Canada to be with family. Mum found joy in raising her young family and getting involved in the activities of her children.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/niagara-falls-on/harry-priestley-6949202

Our family would like to thank Gerry Bucsis from the Alzheimer’s Society who encouraged and educated us every step of the way through mum’s relentless struggles with mixed vascular dementia. Without her expertise and friendship we could not have navigated the system, finding every bit of help available. To dear friends staying alongside our family in the toughest of times, we thank you Caroline Allan, and Diane and Mike Bauer. Special thanks to staff at Gilmore Lodge because, it’s a lovely day tomorrow. Adult daycare program at Meadows of Dorchester and Upper Canada Lodge, Niagara Respite program and the Behavioral Support Team from St. Joseph’s Villa. Cremation has taken place, private interment with family at a later date. In lieu of flowers or cards, please give generously to the Alzheimer’s Society to help find a cure for this debilitating disease.

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REMEMBERING

Jean Priestley

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Julie Reiman

August 28, 2018

Dad reading his morning devotional to mum.

Julie Reiman

August 1, 2018

"Mum"orial celebration!

Mary Hendry

June 28, 2018

Remembering walks in the park, how she loved nature, flowers, the birds, happily greeting the dogs on the path. Sharing stories of her childhood and singing a song or two on the way. Her warm kind smile will never fade from my memory. Rest in peace dear friend, Jean! Blessings to Julie and Steve for all your love and care for your Mum. God kept you strong through it all. Keeping your family in prayer. Much love, Mary & Bill

Denise Ford

June 27, 2018

My name is Denise Ford, and I am related to Jean's husband Harry, and live in Bolton Percy, North Yorkshire. I attended their wedding on one of the coldest days ever in 1952. They used to visit us in Leeds coming over on their motorbike, and having fish and chips for supper! My mother kept in touch after they left for Canada, and I left home and lost contact. I came on a tour of America and Canada in the late nineties, and on a visit to Niagara I looked up all the "Harry Priestleys" in the telephone directory until recognised Harry's distinctive Yorkshire accent! We met up early the next day, and from that time they came to see us and stay each time they came to England . In 2005 I came back with my grandson Tom to see them and stay in Nialk .It was a marvellous time to be with them and meet all the rest of the family. Auntie Jean was the most wonderful person, so kind, considerate, and loving. These are all the attributes she passed on to Julie, who is my Canadian "sister." I send my condolences to all the family , and want them to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless, and goodbye dear Jean, Much love, Denise xx

Nikki &Cassey Smith

June 24, 2018

What a pleasure getting to know Jean over the last year and a bit. She always had the most vibrant smile. We will always remember her singing her songs “It’s a lovely day tomorrow ☀️“. She will be missed by many and it was a pleasure to spend time with her. Praying for Julie , Steve and family during this difficult time and that god gives u comfort .

Glenn Reiman

June 22, 2018

Oh, how I'll miss that laugh. Nana you spoiled me rotten, but didn't forget to instill the manners I try to carry to this day. One of the most warmest of memories in my life is munching on millionaire shortbread watching a little tiny tv on a silly kitchen stool with you while you baked the most delicious treats to stockpile the freezer with. Seeing you light up when you showed me the church where you were married in England will be with me always. Seeing you and my mum in the bleachers at every single game I played. Playing mini golf through your house on the carpet. Having tea and watching Cornation Street on what seemed like the world's biggest television. You were the kind of perfect grandmother in a movie. How you were able to effortlessly make meaningful connections and conversation with perfect strangers wherever we went, always showing me how the world could be so beautiful if we are bold enough to explore it. How you'd raise your eyebrows when I'd tell you the most mundane of stories. You made me feel so important. I only hope I brought half as much warmth to your life as you did to mine. Thank you for being such a beacon of light in my life. I love you always Nana, and I'll see you again, Love little Glenn

Nigel Green

June 22, 2018

It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Jean.
We will miss our strolls around Chippawa, and then later, the shorter walks near Gilmore Lodge., and have happy memories of the cheerful songs that she used to sing for us along the way.
Even in the later years when the dementia was worsening, she still made us feel so welcome, and was always glad to see us . Our future trips to Canada will not be quite the same.

We would to offer our sincere condolences to all the family at this sad time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With much love and sympathy

Nigel and Karen Green
Wigan, England.

Julie Reiman

June 22, 2018

Mama, I miss you hands already today. I knew I would. Since the day daddy passed I took yours into my own and held on tight for whatever time we had left. We have walked miles together , as you did with daddy ,holding hands talking, enjoying the outdoors together. I'm so grateful you were able to continue walking as long as you did.

Your hands were my guide , they carried me and directed my path when I was small. They brushed and braided my hair, held books for me to learn to read, tied my figure skates, danced with me, played games with me. They wiped tears, and blew my nose. They held treasures and treats. Your hands invited others to join in and be a part of my life, when I was shy and needed encouragement. They taught me to cook, bake, knit and keep house. Your hands held my babies, and showed me how to grow them up.

You taught me, as I watched your hands in prayer praising the good that God had given me, and petitions for waywardness . Teaching me an ageless truth from whence my help should come.
Oh my sweet mamma , I love you so much , Julie xo

Steve Reiman

June 21, 2018

Mum and I didn't have the typical mother-in-law relationship, we found early on that we both had the same sense of humour and enjoyed each other's company. There was nothing better than making her laugh, watching her beautiful brown eyes light up while her smile lit up the room. It was not uncommon to see us walking around the house with spoons stuck to our noses to see who would drop it first. Why? Just because. We spent hours telling each other jokes and just enjoying time together but the serious talks were wonderful too. She was so insightful and always asked the right questions to get me to open up. There was no judgement, just understanding and encouragement. Typical mother-in-law? I don't think so.
I loved our aimless drives that began with the Tim Hortons drive thru. We drove hours and enjoyed scenery and conversation, we did doughnuts in the truck when it snowed. (she loved that) We didn't tell Julie until later that week.
I can still feel her saying, "You're a little love, what are you?" as she said whenever she was grateful or joyous for something that was done for her.
Every son-in-law should be blessed with a mother-in-law like Jean Priestley but I was the one who received that blessing and I will be forever thankful.

Glenn Priestley

June 21, 2018

Hi Mum;
Remember when you came to visit me in Moncton in the 90's and I stuck you in the back of the Beech Baron and we zoomed all over the Maritimes - Emily now has the headset you were wearing..
You were the first to fly with me, along with sis- I am who I am because of you. You gave me confidence to try.
Remember when you bought me a kite and we flew it at Shediac Beach- its now attached to my shed..the memory is my favorite that plays over in my head.
It was such a good day, and it was your Lad and my Dad that took that pic.
I remember you daily and forever as my world is full of nice stuff and memories because of you.
All of us who knew you, who were inspired by you, are better people because of you.
Your son
Glenn

IN THE CARE OF

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Niagara Falls, ON
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