Jean Bourguignon

Jean passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, at the age of 95. Jean was predeceased by her first husband Donald Bourguignon and second husband Jerry Jackson. Jean and Donald met at Tunney's Pasture and, starting life in Mechanicsville, the two forged a life together. She was very fond of his parents and felt the warm acceptance and support from them. She always wanted a large family, having been an only child. They had seven children – Donna, Paul, Diane, John, Annette, Debbie and Elaine. She always said she had “one child for every day of the week”. Jean and Donald's union was also blessed with 13 grandchildren, who then gave them 15 great grandchildren and also step grandchildren. The joy of family.

Jean had many struggles throughout life; she also had strength and determination. She always made sure her family and friends were taken care of. While raising seven children, she and Donald took in four foster children throughout the years, as well as two separate friends and family. In addition, her brother-in-law and his wife lived with us for many years. A busy houseful on the best of days. You could always count on Jean when she was needed. She always looked for a joke and a smile and was known for donning ribbons, bows or other “accessories” to add to the party. Jean, Jean the dancing queen!

Jean wore many hats over the years, working for the City of Ottawa in her younger years. Later on as a caregiver to the elderly at St. Patrick's Home and with ParaMed Home Health Care. She transferred her self-taught cooking into employment. She became a cook in a retirement residence as well as for Senator Patterson. She spent many years as the cook at The Good Companions Seniors' Centre. She was proud to create homemade meals for the members – scratch cooking only! Jean worked with seniors over the years but it took her well into her 80's to finally accept she had become a senior as well.

Jean lost Donald far too soon. Donald passed away from cancer in June of 1985 at the young age of 55. She depended on Donald for so many things. He was her knight after all. He was a good provider, her chauffeur (as she did not drive), a patient man, a very caring man. A good father to her children. Although it was not easy becoming a widow at 54, with a whole life to live on her own, she put her head down and got on with it. This resilience lives on in her children who supported and loved her into her remaining years.

Jean lost her best friend Rose last year; they had a rare 75 year friendship. The loss was quite devastating to her. Due to her vascular dementia, she unfortunately had to relive the news over and over again. This friendship was steadfast. They considered themselves to be sisters. Jean liked to boast that over the entire time of their friendship they never argued. They had the common bond of seven children as well as the enjoyment of a glass of wine to celebrate life. As an only child, Jean was very close to her cousin Lillian. Unfortunately she lost her “Tim Hortons buddy” five years ago. To have such long lasting, endearing relationships was priceless.

Jean always enjoyed country music, a joy she continued to engage in these latter years. She had taken up square dancing as a hobby in her 60's. The live entertainment in the residence was always a highlight of the week. During her “downtime” from raising a family, working and being with friends she was an avid reader, word search fan and gardener.

Those we hold most dear

never truly leave us.

They live on in

the kindness they showed,

the comfort they shared,

and the love they

brought into our lives.

A private family service will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026 at McEvoy-Shields with interment at Notre Dame Cemetery. She will be laid to rest alongside Donald. Together again.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice may be made in Jean's memory. The Salvation Army helped her when she was a young bride and she never forgot their kindness.