It is with deep sadness that we, the family of Jean (Shirley) Courtney, daughter of the late Jean and Edmund Foster, announce her untimely passing on July 12, 2023, after a brief illness at home. As family members comforted her in her final moments, she was called home by her heavenly Father. At the age of eight, she gave her heart and her life to her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and she is now safe in the arms of Jesus.
Jean was a devoted member of the Salvation Army. She served as the church secretary for fifteen years, sang with the songsters (choir), was a lifetime member of the Ladies Home League, was secretary of the Corp's Council, and as a coordinator of the over Fifty-five luncheon, she spent countless hours serving meals to others. Her beautiful presence and devotion to God will be sadly missed by her church family.
At the age of eight Jean decided that she wanted to be a professional nurse and in 1957, graduated from the Glace Bay General Hospital School of Nursing, receiving high marks and awards of achievement.
Jean loved her work so much and it gave her great satisfaction to minister to the needs of others. The well being of those in need of special care was always first and foremost in her mind. Her professional career as a nurse covered forty years. She was a private duty nurse, nurse on the floor, supervisor, teacher and spent twenty years as a recovery room nurse. She was so compassionate that patients often asked for her to be their special nurse. Jean always deflected the spotlight away from herself and put the spotlight on others. She always made people feel loved and even in her last days, her concern was for others.
Jean also served as secretary for the Glace Bay Cancer Society and was President of the Glace Bay Nurses Alumni.
As coordinator of the over Fifty five church luncheons, Jean served many meals to the general public. She also spent time working on the anual Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.
When not serving others, Jean enjoyed bowling, shows at the Savoy and spending time with her family and friends.
She had a pleasant and generous personality. She always strived to see the good in others and to treat them with respect and compassion. One of her greatest joys was hearing of the accomplishments of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
As a mother, grandmother and great grandmother she showed no favorites, but loved them all the same. As the scripture says, her children rise up and call her blessed; and she was a blessed lady.
She will be deeply missed by her husband Fred. After meeting on a blind date, they were married for sixty six years. Together they shared many precious moments as they thoroughly enjoyed each other's company.
She is survived by her children Elaine (Blain) Mailman, son Raymond (Holly), and son Glenn (Kim), grandchildren Courtney (Kyle), Stefan (Vikki), Caleb Devan and Quintan, Candice and Britaney and Chelsea (Byron) and Mikayla; great grandchildren Anthony, Easton, Huntley, Marner, Giavanna and Leonardo as well as many nieces and nephews.
Jean was predeceased by her parents Jean and Edmund Foster, two brothers at birth Harold and Edmund, brother Donnie (Phyliss), sister Gwen Hustins (Jim), brother-in-law Bert Skinner and nieces and nephews.
She is also survived by brother Fred (Elsie) Foster and sister Mary Skinner.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 until 3:00pm on Sunday, July 16 at Patten Funeral Home, 71 Union St., Glace Bay. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 17 at 3pm at the Salvation Army in Glace Bay. Interment to follow in Forest Haven Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.pattenfuneral.com.
Life for the Courtney family will never be the same, but we look forward to the day when we will all be united in God's place of many mansions. (John 14)
