On March 28, 2023, Jean Gallant, beloved wife of 66 years of Gordon Gallant. Proud mother of Wendy (Randy Burnie), Steven (Janet Anderson), Sharon (Gary Fox) and Carolyn (Carl Bird). Much loved Grandma of 8 grandchildren (Monica, Brett, Jeff, Craig, Keitha, Tessa, Spencer and Mitchell) and Grammy to 5 great-grandchildren (Neveah, Grady, Paul, Charlie and Hugh) with one more on the way. Only daughter of the late Dorothy Atherton and the late Kenneth MacIntosh.
Born in St. Stephen, NB premature and weighing only 3 lbs she was not expected to leave the hospital. Dad and the rest of us are grateful that she did. Mum moved to Montreal at 8 years old. It was there that her 77 year long friendship started with June Marwood at Rosewood Elementary School. The two loved reading and started trading books. This tradition continued until the last few years. It was at the St Hubert Air Force Base that Mum and Dad met. The start of a true love story. After marrying in 1956 Mum and Dad travelled with the military to Truro NS, Gagetown NB, Hemer Germany, Winnipeg MB and finally to Ottawa where they made their final home, expanding their family along the way. With Dad away on scheme every summer for 6 weeks it was Mum who kept everything humming.
Mum loved travelling. Whether with her friends Joyce and Bob Bird to Barbados, to Korea on a re-visit tour for Korean War Veterans, Thailand, the British Isles or on a cruise for their 50th anniversary Mum was always up for an adventure. When at home she loved gardening and reading. She was the central drop off point for the.family book exchange, keeping the books in rotation. She passed on her love of gardening to all three of her daughters. Before being affected by carpal tunnel and arthritis Mum loved to knit and needlepoint. Great grandbaby Paul came home from the hospital in the same bunting bag that Mum had knit years before for Monica. Her family was her biggest source of pride. She adored babies and little ones and her eyes lit up whenever any of the grandkids or great grandkids were around.
The family would like to thank Shelley Flynn for her exceptional care and kindness during Jean's recent illness. She and Mum shared many special moments during the short time they spent together.
Friends and family are invited to pay respects at the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. on Thursday April 6th after 12 noon. Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. followed by interment and reception. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Queensway Carleton Hospital, the Perley Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Jonathan Rozenblit
Wendy Lee Paquette
Carolyn and family, what a lovely tribute to your beloved mum. May she live on in all the hearts of those who love her. Sending you all strength and courage during this difficult time.
Shelley and Rob Flynn
Our heartfelt condolences to the Gallant family. Jean was a beautiful light that touched my heart. We feel blessed to have known her.
Ann Laidlaw
My condolences to both Steve and Sharon (and the rest of the family) on the loss of your mother. She sounded like a very lively lady who lived life to the fullest. Sorry for your loss.
Karyn Jean Hansen
Condolences to the Gallant family.
I remember a summer in Winnipeg that I truly enjoyed even though I was not used to military family life. I have always thought of the love and patience Auntie Jeannie showed me at that time. Rest in peace.
Allison and Randall Gibson
I’m so sorry for your loss. A beautiful person who dearly loved her family. Hugs to you all.
Sumeer Taneja
Our heartfelt condolences for your loss, wishing you and your loved ones peace during this time.
- Taneja Family
Katherine Jeans
My sincere condolences. May she rest in peace. You are all in my thoughts. Kindest, Katherine
Dave McCracken
Dear Uncle Gord,
Reading your email brought tears to my eyes.
The deepest condolences from Tui, Mark and I, our thoughts and prayers, are with you.
All our memories of Aunt Jean are cheerful and loving. She was a wonderful woman in every respect. My mother Mary adored her and felt that she was a sister she never had. My Father Bill loved her especially for her eternal cheerful disposition.
As kids, we always treasured our families get-togethers when we lived in Barrie, and those fleeting visits as we passed through Trenton back and forth to Germany.
Although distance separated us for many years, we always managed to meet and renew. Tui and I really enjoyed your visit to Thailand, when she got to know you both, and later when we visited Ottawa. Our last time with Aunt Jean was at my Mother's funeral where she graced us with her love and compassion. Her passing is a deep loss for our family, as she was the last matriarch from the McCracken side.
Bless her, she will be sorely missed by the McCracken family, her loving memory etched in our minds. We know she has arrived in a very fine place.
Thinking of you at this time of sorrow, take solace with the blessings Aunt Jean provided, a great family and grandchildren galore.
Gregory Gallant
May you remember all the good times with Jean over the years.Truly sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you, Carolyn, and your entire family during this difficult time. May the memory of your mum be a blessing.