After a brief illness, Jean passed away to join family and friends waiting to embrace her. She had 60 years of togetherness with her husband Terry and was forever grateful to the childhood friend who set them up on a blind date and started the fireworks so many years ago. As a result of those fireworks, Jean and Terry were wounded with three daughters. Karen (Rob) Barstead, Kathy Simms and Kelly Simms are a product of Jean's love, generous spirit and fun-loving nature. Jean lives on in her daughters, “the sisters 3”.
Jean was so very proud to be the grandmother of 5 boys, Steven Jr. and Drew (Jessica) Polyblank, David, Taylor (Forest) and Kyle (Kayla) Barstead. Oh that grandson love! If anyone could handle those boys, it was Nanny Jean.
The love in Jean's voice and the joy in her eyes when she spoke of her great-grandchildren (and the wee ones to come) was something to behold. Hadley, Lincoln and Nola were her heart. They were so lucky to have Nanny Jean in their lives. For them, her memory will live on in the many stories that will be told again and again.
Jean's parents, Norman and Kay (Mahon) Burlanyette, raised 5 daughters. Youngest sister, Lea (Fraser) Smith, is now at liberty to reveal all of Jean's childhood pranks without repercussions…maybe. Jean was predeceased by sisters Margaret (Lawrence) Callin, Shirley (Michael) Bubnich, and Joyce Burlanyette.
There are a host of family members who will also continue to regale us with stories of “Jeannie”. She was aunt, great-aunt, great-great aunt, sister-in-law, 1st cousin, 2nd cousin, 3rd cousin, and the list goes on and on. Her circle of friends was endless. Jean was much loved and she will forever hold a special place in everyone's heart.
Her love of celebration is legendary. At the many theme parties and gatherings she and Terry hosted, her laugh was a sound of pure enjoyment. The cottage at Round Lake was Jean's happy place and subsequently a happy place for us all. No one left hungry, no one left thirsty and everyone left happy. The cottage would always be filled with the wonderful smells of her homemade bread and other baked delights. One always felt honored to receive her jams and jellies…all made with love. We are so thankful she passed on her secrets to “the sisters 3”.
To Jean, family was everything. She would tell you to come anytime, and when you were there, you were family. Jean was the epitome of warmth, strength, love and giving. We are all better for having been touched by her life. Goodbye Jean ... LotsOf Love .
A celebration of life for Jean will be held on Thursday, July 27th from 5 pm to 7pm at the Timiskaming Funeral Cooperative (formerly the French Funeral Home) at 111 Burnside Drive, Kirkland Lake, Ontario.
Thank you to Dr. Jessica Moore and the nurses at the hospice at Blanche River Health, Kirkland Lake site. Your care and compassion for our special lady is truly appreciated. Donations to the hospice in Jean's memory can be made to the “Timiskaming Hospice and Palliative Care, Kirkland Site” and mailed to:
Timiskaming Hospice and Palliative Care
145 Government Road East
Kirkland Lake, Ontario
P2N 3P4