Jean Somerville, 94, beloved wife of the late J. Fyfe Somerville (1978), cherished mother of Carol Murphy (2017), Susan Allen (Dan), Scott (Trish), Craig (Debbie), Clark (Jennifer), and David (Tammy), passed away peacefully at Milton District Hospital on Friday, March 8, 2024. She was a proud grandmother to 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, always cherishing their visits, phone calls and photos and showing keen interest in their lives. Jean was born to Andy and Elsie Frank and grew up with her siblings Donna (deceased), Joan (deceased), and Reid on the family farm on the Guelph Line in Nassagaweya. She married Fyfe in 1953 after graduating from Hamilton Normal School (Teacher’s College) and embarked on a teaching career that included positions at Stewarttown, Chapel Street, Norval, and retiring from Rockwood Centennial. Jean and Fyfe settled on the Somerville farm east of Acton and later built their family home in town. After Fyfe's passing, Jean continued pursuing further education, eventually earning her BA from the University of Guelph, a testament to her lifelong love for learning and teaching. Jean continued to be active in the community and her passions, such as music, playing the piano and singing in the choir at Knox Acton, and later, the Glee Club at Seasons Milton. Jean was a writer, publishing three books, and had a keen interest in local and family history. She loved gardening at the cottage in Sauble, reading, knitting, writing letters and solving crossword puzzles. She was known for her sweet tooth, enjoying good food and desserts, and her collection of sayings and quotations, which she shared daily in her beautiful handwriting on the notice board at Seasons. Despite her dislike for funerals including funeral flowers and dark somber clothing, Jean prearranged her own arrangements and memorial stone. She conceded that the family could host a gathering to celebrate her life.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jean at the Heritage Acton Town Hall on Friday, March 15, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice or one of Jean’s favourites (Arthritis Society, Knox Church Acton, North Halton Literacy, or the Acton Agricultural Society -Fair Board) are welcome. Jean will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but her legacy of kindness, compassion, and lifelong learning will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
