Jean Hope Ross Shaul

Jean’s memory will be forever cherished by her husband, Kenneth; children: Dwayne, Karen and Maureen (Marco); grandchildren: Natasha (Justin), Matthew (Rosanna), Bradley, Megan, Breanna and Everett; great-grandchildren: Rory, Brayden and Kylah; cousin, Ted McArthur as well as numerous dear family and friends.

Jean is predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Brenda and her mother, Jean.

Most can only aspire to leave a legacy of generosity like the one left by Jean. She took immense pride in helping her community and sharing her gifts with the world. Jean could be found helping to reach fundraising goals by working with school programs, working Bingos, being a representative for the Meridian Foundation, and canvasing for charitable organizations such as the United Way, cancer research or the Red Cross. She helped organize and staff events such as the FCSS New Years Eve, Farmers Days, the Summer Games, and the Rotary Run for Life. Jean served on many an executive board, enabling her to further give of her time and talents to organizations such as the Women’s Institute, Hospital Auxiliary, Light Up Your Life, Garden Valley Pony Club and TOPS. Ensuring that those in her community were well taken care of was truly a priority for Jean; she consistently demonstrated this through her efforts with Meals On Wheels, helping with Sunday School and Catering with the United Church, volunteering at the Senior’s Drop In Centre, the many hours spent volunteering in the hospital gift shop as well as helping to set up the Stony Plain Thrift Store. SPADES, Cowboy Poetry, the Great White North and the City Slickers program all benefited from Jean’s thoughtfulness throughout the years. Even when time did not allow Jean to physically be present to volunteer, she would send gift baskets and hand stitched counted cross-stich pictures to be raffled off. Jean’s presence will be missed within each of these clubs, foundations and events; she was truly a driving force in trying to make her community a better place for all.

Volunteering was truly a passion of Jean’s, it brought her much joy throughout the years. She was grateful to her family and friends who supported her in each new venture she added to her astonishing list. For her outstanding commitment to Stony Plain and her community Jean was awarded the Stony Plain Volunteer award, the Alberta Volunteer Award for which her photo hangs in the Legislature, and the Canadian Volunteer Award that was presented to her by the Honourable Lois Hole. The highlight of her volunteer recognition was receiving a medal from the Queen and attending a luncheon with the Queen. While all of these awards were dear to her heart, nothing could ever replace the feelings of accomplishment and delight in a community well served.

Jean’s dedication to community started at home. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother above all else. The memories and love shared with her family will be a constant reminder of a wonderful person who will be missed each and every day by those closest to her.

Due to COVID 19 restrictions a private family gathering will take place at this time . A Celebration of Jean’s Life will be planned at a later time when conditions allow.

In keeping with Jean’s charitable nature, donations in her memory may be made to Light Up Your Life Society: 4405 South Park Drive, Stony Plain AB T7Z 2M.