OBITUARY

Regina "Jean" Settle

October 25, 1930 – February 1, 2021

Regina (Jean) Settle

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jean (Young) Settle on February 1, 2021, at the Halifax Infirmary.

Born at home in Little Bras d’Or, October 25, 1930, Jean was the daughter of the late Lowery and Kathleen (Chisholm) Young. She was a devout Catholic, a woman who lived her faith every day and loved to attend Mass; she was a long-time member of St. Agnes Church in Halifax.

Jean will be greatly missed by her brothers Roy (Eileen), Georges River, and John (Rosaire), North Sydney, and many nieces and nephews who simply adored her. She was so proud of them and their children. She will also be missed by lifelong friend Mary Viva—she loved sharing meals and laughs at her home whenever she came to Cape Breton. Her dear circle of friends in Halifax, Paulette MacPhail, Eda Elliot, and Jane Brown, were a huge part of Jean’s life and they shared so many wonderful adventures together. She had great affection for Dr. A. J. (Ajantha Jayabarathan) and so appreciated her excellent care over the years, not only as her physician but as a cherished friend.

Besides her parents, Jean was predeceased by her husband Weldon (Rex) Settle, brothers George, Lawrence (Janet), and Dave, all of St. Catharines, Ontario, and Jimmy (Julia), North Sydney, and Alec, Bras d’Or.

Jean was educated in a one room school in Little Bras d’Or. She graduated from Normal College in Truro in 1951 fulfilling her dream of becoming a teacher. She returned to teach in Bras d’Or for a short time before moving to Halifax. Her career spanned 35 years, all at St. Agnes Elementary teaching primary and grade one. Not only a teacher, Jean loved to learn. She took many education courses and raised her license from a TC2 to a TC7!

Jean was a born teacher; she truly loved every minute of it. She showered her little students with love, compassion, and gentle patience. They felt safe and valued. No wonder they loved her! Her joyous spirit, generosity, and positive outlook inspired both students and staff. Jean met and married Rex, the love of her life, and they shared many happy years together until his sudden death in 1999. They enjoyed a very active social life with many good friends. They loved going to the casino and garden parties, were passionate hockey fans (Mooseheads), frequently visited the legislature to observe nephew Brian in action, attended dances and balls, loved boating and relaxing at their cottage in Lower Sackville, travelling to Florida, and, of course, entertaining family and friends.

Their home welcomed relatives from Cape Breton on a regular basis. Never too often, never too many. The young nephews and nieces had the time of their lives creating Shirley Temples (cherries and umbrellas essential) at the “bar,” dressing up in crazy hats and outfits for play-acting, being relentlessly teased by Rex’s antics, and of course consuming mountains of delicious food and legendary desserts. There was no end to the laughter and fun!

We’ve never seen Aunt Jean angry or stressed. She had the sweetest nature, always gentle, kind and supportive. Her humour and happiness were infectious and magnetic. And the lady had style. She always looked her best, dressed to the nines, bedecked with her signature chunky eye-catching jewelry and gorgeous hair! She was a truly beautiful soul, inside and out.

Besides Dr. A.J., we want to express special thanks to the paramedics, Donna MacIntosh, and the emergency staff at the Halifax Infirmary. Your respect, compassion, and frequent communication is deeply appreciated. Thank you also to Rev. Michael Grace and Sr. Joana Madu who attended her with great care and kindness.

There is no visitation and cremation has taken place. Jean’s life will be celebrated with a funeral mass at a later date with arrangements under the direction of Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, Halifax. As per Jean’s request, donations may be made to the Carmen Young CBU Nursing Scholarship.

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Regina "Jean" Settle

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Jamie Stevens

February 25, 2021

Miss Young, as I first knew her, was an amazing teacher. She made my transition from home to school a wonderful experience. Her welcoming smile and her kindness and love for her students made the first year of my education a most memorable one. I remember that we had a rhythm band and a couple of the items needed some repairs. I volunteered to take them home for my father to look at and she was so pleased that he repaired the instruments. At the end of the year a new rhythm band was provided by the school and Miss Young gave me the old instruments to take home. She became Mrs. Settle that summer and I moved to New Glasgow. I still have the fondest memories of her smile and gentleness. The world needs more Mrs. Settles. God bless her and may she rest eternally in peace. ❤️

GAIL EARLE

February 9, 2021

I met Jean and Rex over forty years ago , when my husband Hubert
helped them out with maintenance at their home in Halifax and later at their Lakeview Ave. cottage
We became friends over the years and often visited them at the lake , where our children were welcome to come for a swim and of course treats
We have wonderful memories and we are very sorry to hear of her passing

Gail and Hubert Earle

BEVERLEY GARGIN

February 9, 2021

I was so surprised to hear of the passing of my sister-in-law Jean. We spoke often on the telephone. She never gave any indication of being unwell. She was always very cheerful and happy. We shared stories of the Casino and she would tell me what was new in her life. Each of us in the Settle family loved Jean and although there are only 3 of us left we each have very fond memories of her. I will certainly miss her. My condolences to the Young family.

BONNIE YATES

February 9, 2021

I was both surprised and saddened to hear of the passing of my sister-in-law Jean. She was married to my brother Weldon and our family kept in touch with Jean since his passing. We all loved her, after all what was there not to love. Our family was not the "hugging" type until Jean married Weldon. When she saw you she immediately gave a big, warm hug which Weldon learned to do from her. Now hugs are warmly given by all of us. When I think of Jean I always think "Weldon and Jean" because they were such a beautiful couple. When talking on the phone it was inevitable that we would share memories of the two of them. Jean was warm, friendly, kind and so very loving. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her. My sincere condolences to Brian and the rest of the Young family.

Cynthia and Bruce Davies

February 7, 2021

When I think of the perfect Grade Primary teacher, Jean Settle's name certainly tops the list! She was an incredible educator and gave so much, not only to her students, but to those of us who were fortunate to call her our colleague. She was a beautiful person inside and out and will certainly missed by all. Rest in peace, dearest Jean.

Irene Lane

February 6, 2021

I was very sorry to hear of Mrs Settle’s passing. But, it gave me comfort reading the beautiful obituary that was written, with so much love. She was, by far, my favourite teacher. When her and her husband lived on Stanford Street we would knock on her door to say hi and giggle, and she never turned us away. Even as little kids, we knew how in love they were as a couple. We thought they were so fashionable and glamorous!! Over the years, I’ve ran into her and she always remembers me, my sisters and friends, by name!! I’ve also seen her at many very sad funerals of her students’. She provided much comfort, even all those years later. Although she was one of my favourite people, I didn’t realize she had so many family and dear friends who loved her so much. I’m so glad. RIP Mrs Settle.

ruth kenney

February 6, 2021

Jean was a powerful influence in my life as she guided me when I had ulcerative colitis to refuse prednisone as she knew how it had affected her before her surgery.I will never forget the day I saw her at a baseball game where her husband Rex played ball with my husband and she had gained 40 pounds and was a beautiful woman and she had to tell me who she was.
The last time I had seen her she was in hospital and very ill awaiting surgery and very thin.
Ruth Kenney
rmkenney@ns.sympatico.ca

Heather Cruickshanks

February 5, 2021

What a great teacher she was. Mrs. Settle made every student feel welcome and special. I remember when my daughter started Primary and cried the first day. Mrs.Settle wrapped her arms around her and told her it would be OK and it was. What a great start . Mrs.Settle was truly a special person.

Mary-Lou Donnelly

February 5, 2021

So sorry for your loss. Jean’s obit described her so well! She was such a lovely person, so kind and gentle, not to mention what a wonderful teacher she was! Although I was a bit older when ‘Miss Young’ began at St. Agnes, Jean taught many of my siblings; I then had the good fortune to return to the school as a teacher, so got to know her as a professional colleague. I have so many fond memories of Jean ( and a number of her great recipes!). Please know she is very fondly in my thoughts and prayers.

Scott Mosher

February 5, 2021

My deepest sympathies to the entire family. My father and mother, Donald Mosher(d. 2015) and Marilyn Mosher, told me of wonderful stories of the times they spent together. I too remember her well and her spirit will be missed by all.

FROM THE FAMILY