Jean Priestley

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.