Parcourez la nécrologie de Mrs Jean Elsie Kirk nee Ellis 2023 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
“I love you. And I know you know that.” In the last week of her life, Jean Kirk (née Ellis), bracing for her final battle, said those words over and over to multiple family members. And she meant it wholeheartedly, every time. By the time she passed at St. Joseph’s Hospital early on November 14, 2023, in her 88th year, there was no mistaking Jean’s love for the people in her life but, then again, there never was.
Jean Elsie Ellis, born on September 16, 1936, in Hamilton, Ontario, was many things, but the immense love she had for her people and the strength she possessed to carry on for them were what defined her.
Jean was the second-youngest of four children, growing up alongside her beloved younger brother Robert Ellis (Lynn) and looking up to her sisters, the late Doris Goodwin (late Thomas) and Harriet Moody (late Bob). For the sisters, all born in the month of September, their bond extended to their aunt, the late Elsie Jackson (late Thomas) that shared Jean’s birthday and was close in both age and spirit.
In 1948, Jean met her best friend, the late Eva Elburg (née Zuber, Harry). Jean and Eva had an exceptional connection that resulted in a lifelong friendship until Eva’s passing on November 8, 2020. Following Eva’s move to the US in 1978, the two didn’t get to see each other often, but they were there for each other in the important moments and always connected, no matter the distance.
Eva would have been the first person Jean called when she returned home from a blind double-date with Roy John Kirk (d. 2021) in 1953, saying, “I’m going to marry him.” She was right, and they wed six years later, in August 1959.
Jean and Roy led a beautiful life together, making the most of good times and sticking together through challenges, always working hard to provide the best for their children, Robert, now in Langley BC, Christine (Hopkins) in Dundas ON, and Patrick (d. 1969). Jean worked at Proctor & Gamble alongside Eva for several years, as well as for doctors Zavodni and Zahoruk, while Roy worked as an operator for the HSR.
There was always work to be done, but Jean still took immense pride in creating a warm, loving home for her family. She loved nothing more than bringing together the people she cared about for a beautiful home-cooked meal, and she strived to ensure the house was consistently immaculate.
Roy’s sister Marie (d. 2020) and her adopted family of Jennifer Hines and her son, Christopher (Jenny), felt this love and care from Jean, with Jennifer recalling, “Every holiday, I would take pictures of her hands around the bowls of mashed potatoes and say, ‘When you can no longer mash potatoes, I’m going to send you these pictures so you can see all that you did.’”
Jean and Roy also loved taking the kids out on camping trips across Ontario, usually in the rain. On one camping trip in 1980, the family passed Terry Fox running down the road in just such a rainstorm. “Oh Roy, can we give him a ride?” Jean asked. (They did not.)
Jean doted over her three grandchildren, Lucy (Tyler Osborne) and Jeremy (Hopkins, father Tim), and Caitlyn (mother Rhonda Pace), never hesitating to sing, be silly, tell stories, and show them all the love in the world. Jean also adored the many animals in her family, and seeing a picture or recalling a memory of them never failed to bring a smile.
In 2001, Jean and Roy moved to Southampton to enjoy their retirement on the shores of Lake Huron. While there, Jean served as president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary at the Southampton Legion 155 for two years, where she received the lifetime membership award, and also volunteered her time at the Port Elgin Salvation Army. Jean made good friends with many, including Dolores and Wendy. In their 17 years in Saugeen Shores, it wasn’t unusual to drive down the North Shore Road and see Jean and Roy in their silver van, overlooking the water in ‘their spot’ with their Tim Hortons’ coffees in hand. We think they’re probably there now.
In an effort to be closer to family, Jean and Roy moved back to Hamilton in 2018. While health challenges arose quickly, Jean still carried on with astonishing perseverance. She kept singing, laughing, and telling everyone how much she loved them, right to the very end.
Jean is remembered for all of this and more by her siblings, children, grandchildren, and the many nieces and nephews she leaves behind. While we will miss her terribly, we are thrilled she is now reunited with Roy, Patrick, Eva, Doris and Marie.
During her health struggles, Jean greatly appreciated the care of the many wonderful doctors, nurses, aides, and support workers in the hospital and at the Chartwell Georgian Retirement Residence, where she spent her final years.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a random act of kindness or charity in Jean’s memory. Cremation has taken place, and no service will occur at Jean’s request.
As Jean was fond of saying, “See you later, alligator.”
After a while, crocodile.
2023
Décès pour la Ville:Dundas, Province: Ontario
avis deces Mrs Jean Elsie Kirk nee Ellis 2023
nécrologie Mrs Jean Elsie Kirk nee Ellis 2023
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Mrs Jean Elsie Kirk nee Ellis 2023 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.