It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a truly special woman, mother, stepmother, grandmother and friend, Jean Yvonne Hart-Kangas.
Jean was the driving force behind so much in her life, her family and her community. A strong woman who loved a good challenge and putting together the plan to overcome it, but at her core was an unrivalled belief that we could all be better. Be it sitting on her back deck overlooking the Red River or on her patio in Arizona, Jean never looked at the world how it was, but more so how it could be. This outlook was likely what led her to a career in education. From St. Vital School Division, to the Norwood School Board to Kangas & Associates with her beloved husband Roger, her life was simply about trying to make others better - whether they realized it or not. Jean was a self-proclaimed graduate of The School of Life, often sharing insight from a past experience along her journey.
Jean’s life changed in 2015 with the sudden passing of the love of her life, Roger Kangas. As she would often say, they were a team. Their views and approaches may have been different, often highlighted by a “healthy” debate around the dining room table, but in the end, their love for each other always prevailed.
Over the last number of years, Jean spent much of her time lending an ear or offering insight to one of her kids, a close friend or neighbor while continuing to enjoy retirement with her two dogs, spending time in Arizona or meticulously manicuring her yard in St. Vital, before being diagnosed with Cancer in the spring of 2020. Till the very end, Jean was determined that this was simply another challenge that needed to be, and would be overcome.
Jean’s legacy will live on through her three children, Ryan Hart (Reverly), Ryan Kangas, Rachel Darnely (David), her seven grandchildren - Camryn, Holden, Abigail, Emelia, Jacob, Breann, Cole, her extended family and many longtime friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s name to Palliative Care at Riverview Health Centre or Cancer Care Manitoba.
For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book, please visit our website at www.greenacresfuneralhome.com
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