Obituary
Jean Abt died peacefully at (CHINOOK HOSPICE after a short stay) on Monday, November 8, 2021, at the age of 93 years after a lengthy and courageous battle against cancer.
Jean was born in Islay, Alberta to James (JR) and Margaret (Peggy) Robson and raised in Vermilion, Alberta along with her two siblings Hunter Robson and Lesley Jones. She graduated with honours from the University of Alberta with an undergraduate degree in Commerce in 1950. An exceptional and gifted student, she earned numerous accolades from the School of Commerce including the Eaton Company’s Gold Medal in Commerce, The Hudson’s Bay Company Gold Medal in Commerce, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants Prize. Upon graduation, Jean bravely left home and Alberta on a bus to take up her first employment with CIL in Montreal, an unusual occurrence and well ahead of her time. Jean returned to Alberta and took up a job with Canadian Pipelines & Petroleum Ltd, where she met her future husband Peter Abt.
Upon marriage, Jean left full-time employment and quickly bore 5 children in rapid succession. She was a hands-on involved mother and indeed many thought she was staff at St Augustine’s Elementary and Junior High School, such was her constant presence for whatever needed doing in supporting her 5 children. She was ever-present for all sporting events of her children. Her taxi service to most away games brought her in close touch with the many friends of her children whom she connected with in an extraordinary way forming the basis for her lifelong commitment to opening her arms and her home to anyone who needed some advice, a friend, or a hug. This ability to reach out and connect with all ages was further evidenced by her wonderfully close relationships with all her grandchildren. In her later years, she was a fiercely competitive maestro of WordsWithFriends and rarely lost a game against all comers. She was a mom to many and a dear friend to many many more. Jean held a strong Catholic faith and worked tirelessly fundraising for decades for many charities including St Anthony’s Food Pantry, Children’s Hospital Aid Society, and Easter Seals.
Jean was predeceased by her loving husband of 57 years Peter Abt in 2016. Jean is survived by her large immediate family including children; Peter (Shawn) Abt, Margaret (Louis) Stack, Barbara Hester, Suzanne Abt and Edward (Jessica) Abt; her much-cherished grandchildren, Peter Kilian Abt, Stephanie Abt, Marquess Beck, Tynan Stack, Teaghan Stack, Alexander Hester, Charlotte Hester, Jason Abt, Christopher Abt, Nicole Abt, Sarah Abt, David Morales, and Jenny Morales and great-grandchild Peter Rock Abt. Jean is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Kay Anderson, Betty Abt, Adele Abt, Agnes Robson, and Georgie Welty, and her many cousins, nieces, and nephews too numerous to name but all an important part of her extended family. Jean was predeceased by her father JR; her mother Peggy; and siblings Hunt and Les.
The family would like to give special heartfelt thanks to the many doctors who guided Jean through her cancer battles including Dr. Gordon Grado of Scottsdale, Arizona for his excellent care and compassion over the last 25 years. Most sincere thanks as well are extended to Dr. Jumani of the Tom Baker Cancer Center in Calgary and Bonnie Jones, nurse extraordinaire, for their expert care and committed service to Jean.
A private Funeral Mass will be celebrated on November 22, 2021, with a Memorial Service to be arranged at a later date pursuant to her wishes. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations will be gratefully received by the Children’s Hospital Aid Society.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jean Hylton Abt June 3 1928 November 8 2021 (age 93)..
Death notice for the town of: Calgary, Province: Alberta