The following are a few of the condolences have been received since Jean’s death. Only the initials of senders have been used, and slight editing has been done to protect personal information of living persons.

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Messages will be added as they are received – there is NO deadline.

Jean Marjorie Acton (nee Boyce), May 16, 1916 – September 9, 2013

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                   She was a great lady. (from Jean’s brother M. Boyce, Calgary, Alberta)

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I have read the biography piece about your Mom and Dad several times. It is interesting to see how ordinary Canadian lives are, in fact, extraordinary. (from D. G., Halifax, Nova Scotia)

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Sorry to hear about your mother’s death. She was part of your daily life for so many years and you will miss her greatly. The older we are when we lose a parent the harder it is to realise that they are no longer there. You will be able to take comfort from knowing that you were a great support to her. (from G. & M. B., Nairn, Inverness, Scotland)

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I am writing this condolence on behalf of D. R; D.R. and his wife L. purchased the home on Lake Crescent that was owned by your parents. D.R. and L. both worked at Kelsey with L. as the Program Head for the Kelsey CNA Program (pre-cursor to the LPN program). L. & Jean had a significant connection with their interest in nursing
education. L. passed away in 2012.

I am D.’s first cousin once removed and I grew up at Abernethy, near
Lemberg, near Rosewood. Although I did not know your parents, the Acton name is well known to me. I extend my sincere condolences, and those of D., as well as expressing my delight in the wonderful website/blog that you have created to honour your family history. (from C.B., Saskatchewan)

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I am certain that your wonderful memories of such an awesome woman will comfort you and bring smiles for years to come. Please know that others are thinking of you as you go through this sad time. Such a wonderful soul is now back with Tom. Jean was a
key mentor for me in my nursing career. When Jean retired from SIAST she encouraged me to take her position. Prior to that I had the privilege to work with Jean, seeing first hand, her gentle wise presence as a leader, a team builder, a woman with incredible vision focused on health promotion. Many fun times were also enjoyed at Jean and Tom’s home on Albert street. I always enjoyed my Christmas letters that Jean sent from Victoria. She was very proud of her roots and her family. I am confident she will live on in all of you. Take care. (from D. S. B., Regina, Saskatchewan)

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What a wonderful 97 years Jean had surrounded by her loving family and friends. Jean loved life and live life to the fullest. She was such a treasure to all who knew her. She will be sadly missed, but forever fondly remembered. (from J. & L. G, and K. S., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)

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Jean will be remembered and missed by so many who loved her and whose lives were enriched by her wisdom and enthusiasm for life. She left us with wonderful memories, as well as her books. (from S. A., Sioux Lookout, Ontario) 

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I’m so sorry to hear about your beloved mother.  It is a hard wrench to lose a parent and a shock to the system even after a long illness.  R. and I send you our heartfelt sympathy.  I shall re-read her books that you kindly gave me.  What a wealth of information and memories she left for you to cherish.  She must have been very pleased and proud that you took so much interest in her past and the past generations. (from L. & R. H., London, England)

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So sorry to hear your Mother passed away. She was a great lady and we remember her fondly from meeting her at your wedding. With sympathy, (from C. & A. R., Sherwood Park, AB)

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Jean will be remembered as truly a wise woman. Her keen observations, genuine interest in people, her independence and her sense of humour were great examples to all of us. In a family of strong women, she has been a role model and it was a privilege to know her. In loving memory of Aunt Jean, she will be missed dearly. (from S.W., Quadra Island, British Columbia)

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So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. It is hard to lose a mother. I know she will be greatly missed by all her family. My Condolences. (from E. M., Calgary, Alberta)

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We are so sorry to hear of your mother’s loss. Your mother was a very special lady and we were privileged to meet here and read her book – I still have images in my brain from her reminisces of old Esquimalt and other parts of Victoria. With condolences and much love. (from K. & H. B., Phoenix, Arizona)

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Jean lived a full and admirable life and was loved and respected by all who knew he. She was a woman I always looked up to and looked forward to talking to whenever we had time together. You were fortunate to have her for your mom. Jean has been fortunate in having both of you to provide the attention and care you’ve given her in these last years. I hope you’ll soon feel free from worry about Jean now that she is at peace. Best wishes for as much time for rest and recovery from care as you need. (from S., J. & B. J., Calgary, Alberta)

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Thank you for sharing with us and please know we are thinking of you both and
your families at this time. A. and I never met your mum, but over the years [we have heard] so many stories [about] her, that we considered ourselves part of her circle of friends. This is short as I know you will both be busy; however, I wanted you to
know you are in my prayers.  Be a comfort to each other and remember
the good times. (from A. & M. R., Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland)

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Very sad news. J., J. and I wish to express our deep condolences to all of you.

Fifteen years ago when we moved West, I went to Victoria for several weeks. I stayed with Jean for one week. It was a very good week, and it was the only week in my life I was superbly informed of provincial affairs. How did Jean manage to engage me in politics? That she kept me engaged is even more remarkable. I don’t remember having a gun to my head so it must have been thanks to her good story telling streak combined with the talents of an excellent teacher and a wicked sense of humor. We went to the tea house and had tea, scone(s) with thick cream, and strawberry jam. Ah! it was so good. My memory of Jean is anchored by such moments. (from J., J. & S. O., Calgary, Alberta)

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Our deepest sympathy to you. I am so sorry that I was not able to attend the [Ellisboro Cemetery] service for your wonderful mother. She was a great lady, so down to earth and caring.  She was my grade 1 teacher, although I can’t say that I remember much about grade one, I do know that I liked her very much. Not something we said about many of our teachers. I do remember her family and have a vague recollection of her sister Frances attending school at Rosewood at that time. I also remember her father and his great voice when he sang in church.  Her Mother was a lovely lady, I can picture them all still. Your Mum had a busy life going from teaching to nursing and farming and back and forth to the city. I remember your family living in town for a bit. That must have been when you were finishing high school and my girls and I were invited for supper one evening. Those were great times when life was simple and we were not rushing from here to there every day. Our thoughts are with you at this time. It is a tough thing to lose a Mother. So much love to cherish forever. May God bless you at this time. (from D & L. R., Lemberg, Saskatchewan)

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I am certain that your wonderful memories of such an awesome woman will comfort you and bring smiles for years to come. Please know that others are thinking of you as you go through this sad time. Such a wonderful soul is now back with Tom. Jean was a key mentor for me in my nursing career. When Jean retired from SIAST she encouraged me to take her position. Prior to that I had the privilege to work with Jean, seeing first hand, her gentle wise presence as a leader, a team builder, a woman with incredible vision focused on health promotion. Many fun times were also enjoyed at Jean and Tom’s home on Albert street. I always enjoyed my Christmas letters that Jean sent from Victoria. She was very proud of her roots and her family. I am confident she will live on in all of you. (from D.S.B, Regina, Saskatchewan)

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Our condolences on your Mom’s passing.  Chatter with Dad recalls your family’s farming days in Rosewood district/your Mom teaching Heather in nursing school/what a good time we used to have riding our bikes to your farm to spend a summer holiday afternoon with Janice/the ‘summer kitchen’ – so neat, to us, that you could cook out there and not have to heat up the house.  What a blessing to have had your Mom for so many years. (from S. L. and A. R., Lemberg, Saskatchewan)

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What very sad news. I am so sorry for your loss. What a long and amazing life your mother led. We are so grateful for her books, and for that chance to have met her more recently before my Dad passed away (which hard to believe was over 4 years ago). My sympathies are with you, especially in the coming weeks as you deal with, and adapt to this huge loss. Thank you for letting us know. (from K.G., Vancouver, British Columbia)

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So sorry, oh so sorry, there goes another splendid person. Tears. 
She had a smashing and an eventful life as per my Dad, they were two of a
kind.  It is now 13 years since my dad died and I still miss him, but we
often talk together. (from S. & D., W., Derby, England)

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Just a note to express our sympathy in respect to Jean’s passing. As you know we have been correspondent (Christmas) friends, for a long time. She was such a help when we worked together on the Senior/retirement program in the 1980s. We always enjoyed her Christmas letters, her book and our visits when in Victoria. (from O. & J. L., Regina, Saskatchewan)

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Thank you for letting me know about Jean. It is so sad and I want you both to know that my thoughts are with you. I know how you both must feel at this moment in time and can assure you that the wonderful memories you have of your lovely mother will help you to cope. (from C. & B. M., Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland)

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I realize Jean has had a long and fruitful life, but it is always difficult to see it end. We are thinking about you at this time. (from D. & S. A., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)

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I worked with Jean during the years that she taught with the Nursing Assistant Program. I continued to have contact with her while she was with the Program in Regina. Lou (Wright) Robertson [& I] spent many enjoyable evenings with Jean and Tom at Lake Crescent. Tom and I settled all of he agricultural problems not only in the province but globally!

Jean played the piano for the last march leading the graduates into the gym for the last graduation held for the Nursing Assistant on campus. Future graduations were held at the Auditorium.

I always appreciated Jean’s common sense approach to all issues. Her keen sense of humor often provided the break we all needed.

She will be missed by all who knew her. I recall her speaking with pride about Tom’s accomplishments especially touring the province with the Queen of the Dairy interest. I’m not certain anything about who these young women were other than that we called them the Dairy Queens. The accomplishments of her daughters was a source of pride for both Tom and Jean and they were happy to become grandparents.
My sincere condolences to all of the people she has left behind. (from D. L. M., Saskatchewan)

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I have just found out that you have lost your mother. I am so sorry to hear that sad news. I recently read your entry in your blog telling your mother’s story including her marriage to Tom Acton and entry to the big Watson family. I have just gone back to your blog and have read the very loving obituary you have written. She has been a lovely person and enjoyed being surrounded by a loving family. It is such a painful loss but I do hope your lovely memories will soon ease that pain. Our sympathy to you and all your family. (from M. W., Mauchline, Ayrshire, Scotland)

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Saddened by the news.  Thinking if you and your family. Sincerest regards. (from M. S., Victoria, British Columbia)

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We were saddened to hear about your mom. Thank you for letting us know. She was a wonderful aunt, and great aunt to our family. I know that she and C. had a very special connection with working in writing and illustration. I too, have enjoyed reading the “Tabby” book, and have had my students do cat illustrations, based on the story. She was always a big part in everyone’s life. A comforting thought would be that knowing that she and her sister Betty are in the spirit world together. (from M & B. C., California)

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I was so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. I remember meeting her a few years ago when she visited MISA In Halifax. I know she was a remarkable person and I am sure she will continue to live in you and with you in many ways. My thoughts and prayers are with you both and your family. (from N. A., Halifax, Nova Scotia)

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I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Jean. However, I hope that you can take comfort in the fact that she had a long and full life, and a peaceful passing. (from H. D., Calgary, Alberta)

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You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your mother was blessed to have two extraordinarily caring and compassionate daughters to enrich and share her life. I am glad that you were able to be with her at the end and to know her passing was peaceful.  Everyone here sends you loving thoughts. (from K. E., Toronto, Ontario)

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I just read your email about Aunt Jean – thank-you so much for letting me know. Jean will be very dearly missed by all. She was one incredible woman, who was blessed to have an extremely full life surrounded by a very loving family. My thoughts are with you all. (from C. C., Victoria, British Columbia)

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So sad…..but truly a gift that you and Jan were both with her, all together at the end. I’ll be thinking of you in the coming days. (from S. W., Vancouver Island, British Columbia)

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I am so-so sorry for Jean’s passing, I loved my aunt and am saddened by this news. Following so soon after my father passing. I love you both and wish I could be of some help. Please keep me informed and all my best wishes and prayers go out to you. (from D. C., New Jersey, U.S.A.)

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I’m so sorry for your loss and so very glad that you were both there with Jean when she slipped away, both for your sakes and for hers. Although Jean has been progressively slipping away from us for a few years, this final parting is terribly sad, except that it frees her from what had become an increasingly challenging existence. M. and I feel very fortunate to have been able to see Jean and say good-bye. We will both miss her. (from M. Z. & F. B., Victoria, British Columbia)

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Jean had a great life and was a very special person to us . I am happy she went in her own way no fuss or bother in her sleep and you and Jan both there just the way she would want it. I am sorry. We are sorry and she will always be missed. She has been a part of our lives for years. We loved her like family. (from E. A., Lemberg, Saskatchewan)

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So so sorry to hear of your loss, at least you all truly know she is now resting at peace. No words can express how much we are blessed to have known the wonderful lady your mom. She was influential as we visited and we are forever grateful for all the beautiful and useful items she donated to us for our new life when we moved here . We will forever be reminded of her kindness and amazingness as we go about our daily life. (from A. & A. M., Calgary, Alberta)

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I am so very sorry about your loss of your Mum. Jean was such a lovely person and she loved you so much. You could see how much she enjoyed your company, it was a pleasure to see. I still feel my mother’s presence and I remember how kind you were to me at the time of her loss. Your Mum is with you still and we benefit from her love because you are such a wonderful embodiment of her. (from B. R., Halifax, Nova Scotia)

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We are so sorry to hear about Jean’s passing. I know how close you two were – more like sisters then mother and daughters, because you shared so many common interests. She was a super special lady – so progressive, interesting and full of life. Our hearts are with you during this time. Take care and cherish the good times. (from R.L & L. W., Hong Kong)

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How terribly sad – a great spirit has passed from this earth. (from K. W., Halifax, Nova Scotia)

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I am so sorry. It doesn’t matter the circumstances, it’s your Mum and its such a terrible terrible moment in your life. Take care. We are thinking of you all. (from G. M., Halifax, Nova Scotia)

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So sorry to hear this news. While I never met Jean I have a very strong impression of an aware, engaged, vibrant woman who raised two incredible daughters, contributed greatly to her community, was curious and open to learn, and had a dignity that helped her weather all. As her health has failed I know that she’s lost some of her light but I also know there’s lots to celebrate in a good life well lived. And I also know how much she has appreciated your unstinting love, care and dedication as you have supported and accompanied her through these past years. We send our best wishes, solace and solidarity. (from R. F., Ottawa, Ontario)

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Just want you to know that I am thinking of you and your loved ones at this difficult time. There is no easy way to get through such a heart wrenching process of the final departure, the unravelling of the maternal thread that binds us so tightly to the earth.  May your mother take wing and fill your life and the life of all those she loves and has cared for with her great spirit. (from L. C., Ottawa, Ontario)

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Very sad news, and yet what a relief for Jean’s sake. This will be such a hard time for all of you, getting used to the shock of having her gone. No matter how prepared we are, we are never prepared. Jean was such a tremendous person, she made everyone feel so welcome and so whole — because she was so whole in herself. She was very important to me; we had some wonderful visits in Victoria that were more than just visits, she made me feel completely at home with her. G. met her only the once but liked her tremendously and was very sad as well to hear that she has died. It is such a lesson in how important it is to live our lives in connection with the people we love. (from J. O., Canmore, Alberta)

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Along with you we mourn the passing of the grand and talented lady that your mother was. We’re glad to hear her passing was quiet and peaceful, leaving a sense of serenity for you. She will be missed and long remembered by all who knew her and beyond that through the books she penned! You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you adjust to life without her. (from S. & M. A., Lemberg, Saskatchewan)

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I am so sorry to hear that Jean passed away. Thankfully, for me, I had the chance to meet her and talk with her on that lovely afternoon at J.’s and M.’s place in New Westminster a few years ago. She was an amazing woman. (from T. G., Vancouver, British Columbia)

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I’m sad to hear of Jean’s passing. She was a remarkable woman. What an intense time you two are in the midst of. I’m glad that you could both be with her as she left, as it was a meaningful experience for me and my sibs when mom left.  One doesn’t always have that choice. Jean was part of a large and wonderful family.  And she helped raise two amazing daughters. Take care. Our compassion goes to both of you, (from B. & B. P., Victoria, British Columbia)

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So sorry to hear of her passing. A tough time to go through for you. Awesome to have lived such a full life! (from A.W., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan)

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So sorry to hear about Jean’s passing. C. and I were just talking about her the other day and wondering what age she would be. 97! That is amazing. I have many happy memories of time spent with Jean when she came to visit in Edmonton and when I spent time with she and Tom in their home Regina. She was always so kind to me and such an interesting and intelligent person to talk to. Our deepest sympathy to you and Jan on the loss of a great mother. (from M. S., Victoria, British Columbia)

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I am so sad to hear this news. I met Jean shortly after she moved to Victoria and have visited with her many times over the following years. She has been declining over the last number of years but I will never forget her creativity, her research and her wonderful writing skills. My heart goes out to you both. (from J. H., Naramata, British Columbia)

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My very great sympathy to you and your family. There will, indeed, be a large  hole in your life – your Mom was quite an individual. I know you’ll treasure your memories. (from J. C., Edmonton, Alberta)

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So sorry to hear the news about your mother. She was much loved and much remembered by my sisters and I. Our mothers were so close and now they are both gone. I will remember her with great love. She was a wise, cheerful and loving woman. Each time I met her, she taught me something about life and living in the moment. (from K. P., B. R. & J. P., Ontario)

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D. and I send you and your family our sincere condolences for the loss of your mother. We feel very privileged to have met Jean. She was a wonderful and impressive woman. A life of 97 years is a life well-lived, and Jean lived hers especially well. (from D. D. & D. D., Vancouver, British Columbia)

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My condolences. I have such good memories of Jean as a wise, worldly and warm woman of the land and heart. Thank you for this email. I was just at the farm last weekend and thinking about the “other farm” and “Tom and Jean’s farm”. My heart goes out to you and your families. (from C. D., Winnipeg, Manitoba)

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I am so sorry to hear of your loss, but glad that you were there. It is such a loss to lose our matriarch; I still think of my mother almost every day (after 2 1/2 years) but am more settled now that I have scattered her ashes at the cottage, which she loved. Thank you so much for including me. My thoughts are with you both, and I hope you find relief and resolution. What wonderful women were our mothers! (from A. M. F., Ontario)

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I empathize for you and your family members. Jean was a rare gem and I can only imagine your sadness even though you can take comfort in the knowledge that she lived a long and fruitful life, bringing joy to everyone who was fortunate enough to be in her life. With deepest sympathies. (from R. W., Vancouver, British Columbia)

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I am so sorry to hear of Jean’s recent passing. I know these times can be very difficult. No matter how long they have had living a good life, they still leave us behind far too soon. Recalling the special memories you shared makes the grieving some what easier. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. (from G. & J. H., Vancouver, British Columbia)

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Thank you for letting me know. My heart goes out to you. Jean was such a wonderful person. And a big part of your lives. (from A. W., Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia)

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My condolences to you and all your family. Your mother was a most special and lovely lady, and I’m sure you will miss her greatly. I am pleased it was peaceful, and that you were there with her. Mothers are just so special – and I suspect it is hard for anyone to understand what it is like until it’s happened them. I still miss my lovely mother, and I am sure you will be the same. Especially as she played such a big role in your life. Take care – and remember all the special times. (from M. W., Havelock North, New Zealand)

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Thanks for letting us know of Jean’s passing. I read the blog on your Jean, & didn’t realize she had done & accomplished so much in her life, She was truly an amazing lady. She lived to be a good age & saying goodbye at any age is hard when one is so loved & is a great part of your life. Our sympathy to you all. (from G. & G. C., Lemberg, Saskatchewan)

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Our sympathy & prayers are with you all during this sad time. It is always sad to say good bye to loved ones. Thank you for letting us know. (from B. & P. A., Lemberg, Saskatchewan)

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Very sorry to hear about the sad news. I met Jean through you, [and] it didn’t take any time to see how special she was. My son, S. enjoyed Jean. He always said how pleasant she was. She has done so much during her life. We still have her books! Keeps! (from K. M., Victoria, British Columbia)

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We have not met, but I knew your mother a number of years ago in Regina. I worked at the university, at the Seniors Education Centre, and I really enjoyed the time I spent with Jean. Jean had an impact on the Centre, and indeed on everyone who knew her. I considered her a friend, as many did, and although it was sad news, I am glad to hear her passing was peaceful. (from S. P., Saskatchewan)

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I hope that both of you will continue to feel lighter and a sense of relief over the coming weeks & months.  If your experience was similar to ours, upon losing Mom,  you may have felt that the loss was gradual over a period of months/several years.  It is different for everyone, I realize.   We’re thinking of you often  these days. (from M. J., Calgary, Alberta)

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I’ve had waves of sadness wash over me at various times through the week, as well as savouring many warm thoughts about what a privilege it was to have had Jean in my life for the past nearly 20 years. (from F. B., Victoria, British Columbia)

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You must all be reeling from the enormity of losing Jean but at the same time the peace that can come from knowing that her anxiety and yours can be diminished. A life well-led was Jean’s and an example left for the rest of us to follow—one of integrity, hard work, love of life and adventure. (from B. R., Halifax, Nova Scotia)

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My husband and I spent many a Friday evening with Jean, drinking wine and fixing the problems of the world. She was not only a friend, but a mentor to me. She was a world traveler and book writer with an interest in everything. Always positive and a pleasure to be with, I will miss you Jean. (from M. S., Victoria, British Columbia)

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My thoughts are with you and your whole family. The turning of the wheel of life is not an easy thing. During your time together may you all share many happy memories and the strength and values your mom so obviously blessed you with.  As you know so well, those Saskatchewan women of our mothers’ generation were very special. May we honour them by living boldly each day of our lives. Our thoughts are with you during your time of loss. (from C. M. Halifax, Nova Scotia)

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Jean Marjorie Acton (nee Boyce), May 16, 1916 – September 9, 2013

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