Audrey JEAN Aston

The eldest of three children, Audrey JEAN was born on December 7, 1928 to James and Emily Hart, in Staffordshire, England. She grew up and was educated, in the Midlands welcoming to the family her two younger brothers, Roger and Douglas.

Jean loved to dance and it was at a local social club dance that she met her future husband, Ben Aston. Following the Second World War, their courtship and marriage, Ben and Jean decided to leave their family and friends behind in order to emigrate to Canada. There, they believed, they would find opportunities for a better life. In February of 1953 they boarded a ship that was bound for North America. The voyage, across the rough Atlantic, was arduous to say the least but arrive they did. Jean assumed a position at the insurance company that had employed her in England. Ben pursued a position in which he could capitalize on his engineering education and skills.

In time, Jean gave birth to her two lovely daughters, Lynne and Terry. The girls were raised in their North York family home by Jean and Ben, with assistance from Jean’s mother during the year that Jean spent in a sanatorium recovering from tuberculosis.

Jean was a very determined and resourceful woman who found creative solutions to life’s challenges. In the late 1950’s, she felt somewhat isolated as a homemaker in the newly developing North York suburb in which they lived. In order for her to independently care for her family and home she realized that she needed a car of her own. Typical of her determined nature, Jean took it upon herself to advertise a trade – their console television set for a car. She found a willing trade partner who swapped his vehicle for the television. For Jean, there was no looking back.

Jean eventually returned to the workforce where she assisted in the office of Jeamar Winches, the business that Ben built with his boyhood friend, Bob Evans. There Jean remained employed until the business was sold.

Jean was her happiest when surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind her daughters Lynne (Michael), Terry (Bill), her grandchildren Nicole ( Robert), Brendan ( Irina ), Danielle and Hilary (Alex), her great grandchildren Layla and John, Blaire and Henri and Edina and Sonny. Jean is predeceased by her husband Ben Aston and her two younger brothers Roger and Douglas Hart.

As a long -time resident for over 60 years, Jean was a very keen participant and observer of all activities on her street. She loved to sit each day at her dining room table to watch the “goings on”. Her neighbours Heather, Sheila, Marilyn and Gary were good friends to whom we are deeply grateful and indebted for their ongoing support and kindness. Jean would wave to Benny and Elaine, also long-time neighbours, as they drove by on their daily errands.

Jean faced many challenges throughout her life. Through it all she remained dignified, loving and incredibly positive. She will be greatly missed by us all but she will live on in our hearts.

It was Jean’s wish to remain in her home. This was made possible by her caregivers Amelia, Jane, Evelyn and Daphene to whom we are all extremely grateful. We thank you ladies for your kind and loving care. You made Jean very happy.