Obituary for Jean Marjorie Plett (Eidse)
JEAN MARJORIE PLETT (NEE EIDSE)
June 7, 1930 – December 20, 2017
“Well, we had a very nice trip together, didn’t we?”
Sitting up in her hospital bed days after a massive heart attack three weeks before she died, mom spoke these poignant words. She didn’t quite understand what had happened but somehow wanted to comfort the family that surrounded her bed. And, in retrospect, a very nice trip it was.
Jean was born in Lowe Farm, Manitoba, the youngest daughter of three, to John and Anna Eidse, humble farmers during depression years. Jean had fond memories of climbing trees, helping her dad fix the tractor, and making music with her sisters. Jean attended Steinbach Bible Institute where she developed a strong desire to serve as a missionary overseas, and when she met Gladwin Plett, who became her husband and the love of her life, that desire flamed into a commitment and life work. Jean and Gladwin married in 1952. Their first child, Beverly, was born in 1954 and the young family traveled to St. Vincent and then to Bequia where they served for four years. While there Barbara and Brian came along and Jean mothered her young family in a strange new place, without electricity or running water, and the dangerous ocean a few hundred yards from the front door.
Missionary work took Jean and Gladwin to St. Lucia for the next eight years, with furloughs in between. Jean formed lifelong friendships, homeschooled her three Bs, taught Bible classes, and made home a happy place for her family and all who came. Going on to serve in Portage la Prairie and then Germany, Jean continued to be above all, a supportive wife and caring mother, while making friends and taking a genuine interest in everyone she met.
Mom’s curiosity, and appreciation of beauty, made all her life a fascinating adventure. She asked questions, drew pictures, planted flowers and loved watching them bloom. How it pleased mom when folks walking by admired her flower garden! Mom loved birds. One of her favourite activities was sitting with dad at the kitchen table and watching bird feeder activity. Mom loved her children, and her grandchildren. There were sleepovers, and crafts, and suppers under the apple tree. Mom collected and saved all the treasures her children and grandchildren made.
When Gladwin died in 2011, mom’s heart broke and never mended. She continued to be devoted to her family, but the light in her eyes was gone. She carried on bravely, continued to listen to our stories and ask us about our day when we visited. She continued to care for her friends, and be awed by a sunset. She loved food, especially corn. And ice cream. She was one in a million. She will be missed.
Gone ahead are husband, Gladwin Plett, parents John and Anna Eidse, sisters Erna and Renetta Eidse and daughter-in-law, Sherry (Brian). Left to love and remember are Bev Plett (Gwen), Barbara Hild (Conrad), Brian Plett (Wave), and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
With deep gratitude to the staff of Donwood Manor, especially those who cared for mom in her final days.
Funeral will be held 11:00 am, Friday, December 29, 2017 at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street with interment to follow at Glen Eden Cemetery.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Jean Marjorie Plett Eidse 1930 2017.source
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba
