http://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/jean_and_don_story - Includes images
JEAN ELIZABETH AYRE March 9, 1931 - December 23, 2017 My loves, my earthly journey is over, and what an 86 year adventure it was! I was born in Pittsburgh, PA, USA in 1931 and in my wildest dreams could not have predicted how wonderful my life would be. My mother and father, Bessie and James Brice, are now deceased; also all of my siblings, James, Wilburt, Isabel and Lily Mae Brice with whom I spent my youth and young adult years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My dearest daughter, Monica, died in 1974 as a result of an accident. Although gone before me, these departed family members have always been with me in my heart and spirit. My incredibly loving husband Don and I enjoyed over 50 years of marriage that was defined by unconditional commitment, respect and love for each other. Can you believe it? We met on the elevator of the building where we both worked. I was in the steno pool of Family and Children's Services of Pittsburgh and Don was working there as Director of Research while also taking his Doctorate degree at the University of Pittsburgh. Interracial marriages were illegal in 17 states and were not popular in Pennsylvania at the time, so Don returned to Winnipeg to teach at the University of Manitoba. From the time we were married in Winnipeg in 1966, our inseparable love for each other moved us forward to enjoy so many exciting times together. Our love transcends space and time today and forever. Our two sons, Ramon (Connie), Anthony (Lori-Jean) have made us as proud as any parents could be. And what can I say about our grandchildren, Monica, Morgan, Ashelyn, Aimee, Jessica and Greg Baker! Being grandparents to you all has been one of our greatest joys. The sporting events, plays, concerts, graduations, birthdays and just hanging out brought me so much joy! I have six great-grandchildren, Fintan, Callia, Zoya, Everlee Joy, Emily and Anna; and four Godchildren, Karin and Jeff Hammerback, Shannon and Courtney Burns and great-Goddaughter Sadie Lee. What a wonderful blessing! In my working career, I enjoyed my work at the Manitoba Youth Centre, Manitoba Probation services and as President of the Manitoba Child and Family Services Board. Volunteering, especially as President of the Resident's Council at Portsmouth Retirement Community where we moved after 46 years at 814 Somerset Avenue, Fort Gary, gave me great satisfaction. To my wonderful friends, please know that you have enriched my life beyond measure. Each one of you brought love, laughter, meaning, and joy to the many conversations and times that we spent together. True friendships transcend the petty stuff and thrive on the important things such as love, trust, honesty, integrity and commitment. Special thanks to lifetime friends and soulmates, Jan Burns and Terry Hammerback, who went above and beyond to provide great support and comfort to me and Don. My family and I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Adi Sharma, Dr. Nithya Venkatesan, the staff of Victoria General Hospital, the Palliative Care Team coordinated by Mary Ascot and the Medical Assistance in Dying Team headed by Dr. Kim Wiebe for making my final days as comfortable as possible and my dying dignified. There will be a celebration of life on January 18, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, 603 Wellington Crescent, where we have been members for over 15 years. In lieu of flowers, please support the charity of your choice. And please, please, open your hearts to making the celebration of my life a time to reflect on the joy that we have shared together. One of my favourite songs is "Smile" by Steven Tyler. Play it, think of me and smile. Love you forever, Jean