Jean Clara Graham

It is with much sadness we announce the passing of Jean Graham on April 8, 2022, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Jean was predeceased by her parents Evelyn and Walter Hepburn of Calgary, Alberta. She is survived and very much missed by her husband Lane Graham, Son Robert (Mary Mcinnes), daughter Wendy Graham-Ray (Curtis Ray), Sister Betty (David Laurenson), Sister Marian (Zachary), Brother Jim Hepburn (Patti), as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jean was born October 1, 1942 in Calgary. She attended elementary school, and high school in Calgary, and then proceeded to first year at the University of Calgary. She then moved to Edmonton and enrolled in the Bachelor of Music program at the University of Alberta. Jean boarded with friends in Edmonton, and there she met her husband Lane Graham. They were soon married and Jean completed a Bachelor of Music degree while Lane completed A Bachelor of Science degree. They remained in Edmonton while Lane completed a Master of Science degree. During that time a son Robert was born. The family then moved to New Orleans where Lane completed his PhD. She provided an essential and amazing support system to Lane while he completed the graduate degrees. Jean loved New Orleans for its music, culture and amazing wildlife. Favorite activities included walks in Jean Lafitte Swamp Park. She would light up at the amazing array of animals including snakes and alligators. One day she was ecstatic holding a harmless Speckled King Snake. After New Orleans the family moved to Winnipeg when Lane took a position at the University of Manitoba. Soon Jean gave birth to a daughter Wendy. In a few years she registered in the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Manitoba. On completion Jean immediately took a position teaching grade 1 at St. Johns Ravenscourt private school in Winnipeg. During her tenure there she accompanied the lower school boys’ choir, taught grade 2, and did administration. She had an incredible empathy for all the students and absolutely loved her teaching career. She had a wonderful way of touching the lives of everyone she met. Besides music and teaching Jean loved travelling, camping, canoeing, and hiking. She was great at spotting wildlife. Favorite locations include Rushing River Provincial Park, Riding Mountain National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park.

The family extends their sincere thanks for the wonderful care Jean received on CD2 ward at Riverview Hospital. The exceptional caring staff treated her like family, and made her final months as comfortable as possible.

Should people wish, donations in Jean’s memory may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Society, or to Riverview hospital CD2, in Winnipeg.