Alice Jean Gwyn (Gay) Waddington died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, at Muskoka Landing Nursing Home in Huntsville, Ontario. Jean was age 89.
Jean was born in Granby, Quebec on December 26, 1927 to Alice Sadler Ruth(MacDonald) Gay and John Glen Gay. Jean had a very happy childhood, and was especially attached to her grandparents and many relatives in Granby, Quebec.
During the war, the family moved to Ottawa, where she attended Lisgar Collegiate Institute in 1941-46. She then went on to McGill University, achieving a Bachelor of Science in 1950 and a Bachelor of Library Sciences in 1951.
After graduating, Jean worked at the CNR Research Laboratory and Library in Montreal, where she met her husband-to-be, Roy Stanley Waddington, in 1952. The two were married on October 10, 1953. Their children, Donald Roy, Anne Gwyn and Victoria Ruth were born over the next nine years.
Jean was a devoted wife and mother. Her family’s needs were always put before her own. She dedicated much of her time and effort to raising her three children, keeping a lovely home, and making life pleasant for those around her.
As a former librarian, Jean’s house and life were beautifully organized. She quickly learned to cook her family’s favourite meals, and over the years she became a fabulous cook who loved trying new recipes to suit her family’s tastes and needs. She sewed clothes and curtains, volunteered at the local public school library, and made every holiday special for those she loved. Her cookie jar was always filled with home-baked cookies, which were especially loved by her children as an after-school treat with a glass of milk.
Jean was extremely proud when each of her children married – Don to Susan Luther in 1979, Anne to Bob Emptage in 1980, and Vicki to John Fioretti in 1981. She was a wonderful mother-in-law who enjoyed visiting her children and their spouses in their homes.
Jean was especially delighted when her grandchildren, Chris and Laura Waddington, Beth, Glen and Emily Emptage, and Sophie, Michael and James Fioretti were born. She was a loving Nana and made special time for each of her grandchildren.
Jean and Roy loved to travel and spent considerable time in Nairobi, Kenya. They also travelled throughout the United States and to Mexico, Cuba, Portugal, Italy, England, Scotland, France, Germany, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil any many of the Caribbean Islands.
In the recent past, Jean was thrilled when each of her six beautiful great-grandchildren, Vanessa Waddington, Olivia and Alison McCague, Sadie Emptage, and Jack and William Mansson, was born. She delighted in watching the little ones play.
As a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, there was none finer. Her love and dedication provided her family with a wonderful example of how to live and give with grace and dignity. Jean’s legacy is her family, and she will be sadly missed by each and every one in the family.
All throughout her life Jean was a voracious reader who loved libraries and books. With this in mind, in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any memorial donations be made to Huntsville Public Library, 7 Minerva St. E, Huntsville Ontario, P1H 1W4
Mel and Ralph Stephen
Uncle Roy, Don, Anne, Vicky and your wonderful spouses and progeny: Ralph & I were so sad to hear that Aunt Jean had passed. She will be missed but fondly remembered as a gracious hostess and dedicated mother. We had so many fun times at your home. I was inspired by her delicious cooking and have some of her recipes. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Holly Boyd
Dear Roy and family: I am so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. She did have a good life though and from being an only child she certainly has expanded the MacDonald family line. Aunt Ruth would be amazed! I know that Jean was fairly close to my mother, Naomi, and I’m glad that we have kept in touch over the years even though we haven’t met in person in a long, long time. You are all in my thoughts.
Gerri Fearman
Dear Anne, Bob and family, Reading about your Mom made me wish that I had met her. After such a full education she put family first and obviously was so well loved by all. What a beautiful woman, Mom and Grandma. Sadly, she will be missed but leaving behind wonderful memories.
Paul and Anne McKinnon
Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family at this very sad time. We know that you have many happy memories of your Mom to keep her in your hearts.
Pauline Kehoe
Dear Roy: my heartfelt sympathy on your deep loss. I always remember how lovingly you spoke about your wife during those years we worked together on Tanzania Railways. You were blessed with many good years together and a million dollar family. Take care.Pauline Kehoe (ex-CIDA)