Jean Blanche (Burgher) Calkin
1923-2022
Born in Canning, Nova Scotia, May 7th, 1923,
passed away August 5th, 2022 at the age of 99. Jean was the eldest
daughter of Albert and Bessie (Lightfoot) Burgher. She attended
schools in Habitant and Canning. In 1940 she married Arthur H. Calkin
and resided on the Calkin Century Farm in West Black Rock, N.S.,
assisting in its operation for 74 years. Early in their marriage they
also resided in Blomidon, Coldbrook, Granville Ferry, Bear River,
Sandy Cove, Musquodoboit Harbour and Spry Harbour. Jean was an avid
reader and composer of poetry and prose, many used for special
occasions for family, friends, church and community. A devout
Christian, Jean was a former member of Canning Baptist Church, a
member of Black Rock United Baptist Church, charter member of Jolly
Workers Sewing Circle, SEC’Y Treasurer of Black Rock
Cemetery for 14 years, a member of Black Rock W.M.S. (holding the
office of president for 13 terms) and a dominion and provincial life
member of the W.M.S. She assisted in the formation of the Spiritual
Life Group of the Black Rock Church (for the sole purpose of
encouragement of the children and youth of the church, a cause dear to
her heart); a former member of W.I.N.S.; a life member of The Sons of
Temperance. Jean also sang in church choirs in Canning and Black Rock.
Along with her husband, she also attended the Harbourville United
Church.
Jean will be remembered for her fine
needlework, especially knitted “crazy socks” and
many quilts. Various churches and charitable organizations profited
from her donations of crafts and baking. At the age of 12 she bought
her cherished “Lone Ranger” guitar and enjoyed
playing and singing at church, family and community gatherings. Jean
was always a welcoming hostess with the tea pot ready on the wood
range and the parting gifts of fresh produce,
etc.
She will be remembered for all the children who
knew and loved her for her organization and participation in their
childhood games on the farm lawn (and the treats that always
followed). Jean had a keen sense of humour and her storytelling, like
her dad’s, was appreciated by
all.
Jean is survived by daughter, Irene Calkin, and
son, Herbert (Maryanne) Calkin; Grannie to Eidson Cogswell, Jennifer
Calkin, Kristin (Jayce) Obrigewitsch, Megan (Adam) Gieni and Ian
(Aidyn) Calkin; Great Grannie to Aaron Young, Ethan and Tayden Hill,
Ainsley and Adalynn Obrigewitsch and Briar Calkin; Great-Great-Grannie
to Rowan, Keighley and Lachlan Young. Also survived by brother William
(Bill) Burgher and sister, Ruth Lloyd, and remembered as
“Uncle Jean” by many nieces and nephews. She was
predeceased by husband, Arthur H., beloved granddaughter, Shawna
Cogswell Young, special little nephew, David Lloyd; brother-in-law,
Ted Lloyd, and sisters-in-law, Isobel Burgher and Gwendolyn
Burgher.
The funeral service (with a video webcast) will
be held on Friday, August 12th, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in the White Family
Funeral Home, Kentville with Rev. Don MacPherson officiating and
burial at West Black Rock Baptist Church Cemetery. In considering the
on-going concerns with the coronavirus, the family has requested that
mask wearing be respected while at the funeral service. On behalf of
the family, special thanks to the staff of Shannex Orchard Court and
Valley Regional Hospital. Family flowers only, in lieu of flowers
donations in memory may be made to the Berwick Food Bank or Shannex
Orchard Court Recreation Department. For online condolences, inquiries
or to view the webcast of the service, please visit:
www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jean Blanche Burgher Calkin 19232022..
Death notice for the town of: Kentville, Province: Nova Scotia