Jean Doris Cook Paul

Jean Doris Paul was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed her to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, she possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. She had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and she was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Jean Doris always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Jean was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Jean was born on September 3, 1922 in London, Ontario. Her parents were Albert and Elizabeth Cook. Jean was raised in Dawn Township. Always able to express herself well, Jean possessed strong interpersonal skills. She was optimistic in her outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in her communication. Armed with a great wit, Jean was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

As a young child, Jean showed her creative ability in many ways. She was outgoing and animated. Jean enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. She enjoyed taking part in baseball.

Friends and acquaintances found Jean an easy woman to get to know, and those close to her would often praise her open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Jean was uncomplicated and straightforward in her relationships, which allowed her to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of her best friends were Opal Hunt, Orlo and Laura Mater. Later in life, she became friends with Marion Boismiere, Jean Westgarth, Gerry Clayden, and Kay Crothers.

Jean was married twice throughout her life, first to Clayton Hill on November 14, 1939 in Oil City, Ontario, then later in life to John Paul on April 6, 1974 at Lincoln Road United Church in Windsor, Ontario. Jean was attentive to Clayton's and John's feelings, and she charmed them and others with her gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Jean was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to her relationships.

Very much like a kid herself, Jean identified with the inquisitive and creative side of her children’s personalities. She was able to direct her energy and spontaneity towards helping her children acquire added common sense skills. Jean was blessed with three children, two sons, Floyd and Larry, and one daughter, June. She was also blessed with three grandchildren, Robert, Melissa and Lana, her great-grandchildren and her great-great-grandchildren.

Jean was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around her. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Jean’s strengths included being able to think on her feet. She could be a leader who sought impact for her decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Jean was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. She was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Jean could multi-task, and she was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing her to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in her work environment. Her primary occupation was a switchboard operator and secretary. She was employed for 27 & 1/2 years at Kelsey Hayes.

Jean enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. She had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that she did. She put this creativity toward all of her pastimes. Her favorite pursuits were golfing, bowling, and playing cards. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She also enjoyed spending time with her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Because she liked to take risks, Jean was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. She was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. Recreational sports included golfing and bowling. Jean was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Her favorite sport to watch was golf.

Jean was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made her a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which she belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Jean worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Throughout her later years, Jean was an active member of the Parent Teacher's Association, United Church Women, Union - CAW 444, and the New Democratic Party.

Jean was a generous woman who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that she was so active and giving in her community. Jean was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the United Church Women. Politically, Jean supported the NDP.

Jean held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to her. She was a member of the Lincoln Road United Church for 70 years.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Jean truly enjoyed. She preferred to seek out excitement wherever she went and she was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” She was willing to leave her plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included Florida, an Alaskan Cruise and Cuba.

When Jean’s retirement finally came in 1985, she was well prepared. She used logical analysis of her retirement options in order to ensure her retirement would be fulfilling. Still, she was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. In retirement, she found new pleasure in golf, bowling, playing cards and participating in events with the United Church Women.

Jean passed away on July 5, 2014 at Extendicare Tecumseh, Ontario due to an infection and old age. She is survived by her children, June and Larry, and her grandchildren, Robert, Melissa and Lana along with her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Services were held at Walter D. Kelly Life Celebration Centre. Jean was laid to rest in Victoria Memorial Gardens.

Jean was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, she relied on her senses to increase her involvement and awareness of others. She was always able to provide amusing repartee to her friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Jean had a theme song written about her, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” She enjoyed her life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Jean Doris Paul.

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Passed away peacefully on July 5, 2014 surrounded by her loving family in her 92nd year. Predeceased by her first husband, Clayton Hill, second husband, John Paul, third husband, Oz Davies and her eldest son, Floyd Hill. Loving mother of June (Bill) Grainger and Larry (Betty Anne) Hill. Proud grandmother of Robert Kelly, Melissa (Joe) Randazzo, and Alana Hill. Great-grandmother of Felicia Kelly, Mackenzie Kelly, Ceara Kelly, Isabella Randazzo, Joseph Randazzo, and Jack Hill. Great-great-grandmother to Aurora Kelly. Jean retired from Kelsey Hayes after 27 and 1/2 years. She was a long time member of Lincoln Road United Church and an active member in the Retired Labour Movement. Donations in memory of Jean may be made to the charity of your choice. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at the Walter D. Kelly Life Celebration Centre (1969 Wyandotte St. E., 519-252-5711) from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. A celebration of Jean's Life will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 in the funeral home chapel at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at Victoria Memorial Gardens. A special thank you goes to the staff of Devonshire Retirement Home and Extendicare Tecumseh, Oldcastle Unit, for their care and kindness.