Obituary of Jean C. MacDonald

The death of Jean C. MacDonald, wife of the late Seward MacDonald, occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Tuesday, January 4, 2005. Born in Fredericton, NB, she was the daughter of the late Artemus C. and Bertha Young of Lincoln. Jean graduated from Fredericton High School, Teacher's College and the Saint John General Hospital School for Nurses, as Valedictorian of the Class of 1945. She practiced her much loved profession for many years, retiring in 1990. Following retirement Jean volunteered at the Regional Hospital, receiving her 2500 hour pin in 2002. A lot of cookies were baked for staff and patients alike in “Emerg”. Jean served on the board of the YMCA, was a life member and driving force of the Saint John General Alumnae, a member of the Alpha Group at St. Mark's United Church and also served on the Worship Committee. She was active in her church and community. Her life motto was “true happiness comes from giving to others”, a practice she followed her whole life. Jean lived life to the fullest and was a bright light to all that knew her Jean was an avid bridge player and keen competitor ? she had “card sense” as her friends well knew. She loved her many friends dearly and valued those relationships greatly. Among her other joys were entertaining, attending the symphony, cooking, family gatherings and quilting; Jean was always busy at something. Jean's life, to the end, was marked by her positive attitude and feisty zest for living. She is survived by her two sons, Grant MacDonald (Susan) of Dartmouth, NS and Neil MacDonald of Saint John, five cherished grandchildren, her pride and joy: Christian of Calgary, Bradley and Craig of Saint John, Andrea and Carolyn of Dartmouth, NS, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Seward in 1992 and her sister, Evelyn Merritt in 1990. Grateful acknowledgement and thanks to Jean's colleagues, old and new, of 5A South who stood beside her until the end, as she did for so many others before. Resting at Brenan's Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Wednesday 7-9 PM and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Funeral service will be held at St. Mark's United Church, Dexter Drive on Friday, January 7, 2005 at 11:00 AM. Interment in Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances to Hospice of Saint John or the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.