Jean Marie Bremner

Jean Marie Bremner, 86, passed peacefully on Jan 18th, 2026. Born in Windsor NS, she was the daughter of the late Dorothy (Vaughan) and Ted Bremner of Upper Falmouth. She attended Falmouth Village School, a two-room schoolhouse, until grade seven, when she went on to Edgehill School for Girls as a day student. Being raised in a rural community while attending a private school gave Jean the experience of living in two worlds, contributing to her understanding of how privilege works and to her life-long commitment to equity.

Raised on Castle Frederick Farm in Falmouth, nine-year-old Jean was already driving a tractor and helping her father during hay season. She never shied away from hard work and was involved in all aspects of the farm’s day-to-day operations. She loved and respected the farm, the soil, the animals and the essence of what it was to be a farmer. She was, quite literally, down to earth.

Jean enrolled at Dalhousie University and went on to become a social worker who would change many lives over the next decades, dedicating her career to supporting families, accessing and developing community programs, and empowering others. In 1965 she was hired as a social worker by the Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Clinic, moving a decade later to the Halifax City School Board (Student Services Division). A social worker deeply respected by colleagues and associates, Jean’s compass was always turned toward justice and compassion for those she served, and she inspired all who had the privilege of working with her. Her work with the school system motivated her to turn her attention to education, from which she retired as the Vice Principal at Queen Elizabeth High School in Halifax. Her time in this role allowed her the opportunity to further her deep call to equity and social justice, supporting underserved communities and helping students reach their goals. Jean was a mentor, role model, and leader for generations of social workers, teachers, students, and members of marginalized communities in Nova Scotia.

Jean’s commitment went well beyond the career positions she held. She contributed actively to the community, volunteering for decades as a member of the Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers and serving two terms as president, and she was a dedicated member of the Board of the Children’s Aid Society. In recognition of these contributions, Jean received too many awards to mention individually. The Marilyn R. Peers Distinguished Service Award, presented to her by Lieutenant Governor JJ Leblanc, perhaps best encapsulates her work, given in recognition of her outstanding contributions in promoting the work of the Nova Scotia’s Children’s Aid Society.

Beyond her career and commitment to social justice, Jean’s dedication and love of her family was all-encompassing. She was a student of family history and her lineage. She was a loving and proud sister to her brother Jim and a devoted aunt to her four nieces and eleven grandnieces and nephews. Jean took her role as aunt and later great aunt very seriously, carefully curating gifts, experiences, and words of encouragement that recognized each child’s individual interests and special skills. Through her words, and actions, Jean served as a role model for her nieces and demonstrated what a strong, independent woman can achieve. After a visit with Jean, you always left feeling just a little bit smarter, a little more confident, and always unconditionally loved.

That love and commitment extended to her wide circle of friends. There is universal agreement that her regard, her constancy, her kindness and her acceptance were limitless. There is also consensus that her lively sense of humour was as mischievous as it was delightful.

Jean was a prolific gardener and a skilled builder. There was no saw, shovel or hammer that was not Jean’s friend. She spent much of her free time creating a backyard garden in the north end of Halifax that rivalled the Public Gardens, right down to her gable roofed workshop. The miniature barns she built for her grand nieces and nephews, like her gardens, were things of beauty. This was a woman who knew how to build, to plant, to nurture and to love.

Jean is survived by her nieces, Erin (Greg), Robin (Chris), Alyson (Nick), and Kathryn (Donnie) and their children Erik, Alex, Ellie, Levi, Marijka, Iris, Myra, Seth, Annika, Jozefina and Kees). She is predeceased by her parents and her brother Jim Bremner.

A special thank you to the following: Sister Beverly McNamara for her friendship, care and devotion to Jean, especially during Jean’s illness, and exceptional friends, Joanne Syms and Liz Cunningham, for their love and support for Jean and her family. We would like to also extend our deep appreciation to Dr. Stephanie Scott, Division Head – Gynaecology Oncology, Cassandra King - Nurse Practitioner, the staff of the 3rd floor Centennial Building, QEII Health Sciences Center and the staff at Hospice Halifax. Jean received exceptional care from all medical professionals and support staff throughout the past six months. Her family and friends are forever grateful!!

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice Halifax, SPCA, NS Food Bank or a charity of your choice.

Friends and family are invited to an informal celebration of Jean’s life on Wednesday, February 4th, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, Windsor St, Halifax. Please stop in and join us in sharing all the special stories and memories that Jean has left us with.