It is with great sadness, but an inner peace, that we the family of the late Jean O. (Rankin) Fraser announce her passing on May 24, 2022, at the age of 95 with best friends, her daughters, Valerie and Linda by her side.
Jean was born on May 22, 1927, in Westville to the late Thomas and Laura (Porter) Rankin. When Mom began her working career, she lived between Westville and Truro and worked at various places including Bob Ross’ Store (Westville), The Pictou Shipyards, The Hat Factory, Stanfield's in Truro and the Mattress Factory in New Glasgow.
On August 2, 1955 in Pictou Landing, Mom married Harold Fraser and settled in Little Harbour. They worked together to build the home in which she remained until she moved to Glen Haven Manor on March 17, 2021.
Two of Mom’s most important roles in life were being our Mom and Grammie. She gave us a wonderful childhood and lots of fun times. We were very fortunate to always know that we were loved and cherished. "Grammie" (to Alexander and Riley) never missed a birthday, concert, music recital or any other important event. She was so proud of their accomplishments.
As we grew older, Mom returned to work, first at WearWell garments, and then to Michelin Canada from where she retired and became a member of the Michelin Retiree club. Mom was fortunate to have enjoyed many retirement years. She participated in many activities, including bowling, Friday night darts, afternoon bingo games and the Michelin Retiree Events. As well, Mom volunteered at Valley View Villa, where she received a community volunteer award. Mom was most content puttering around the yard and on her many adventures with Linda, including numerous trips to Ontario, Northern New Brunswick and Maine.
During Mom’s lifetime, she was blessed to have many lifelong friendships. Her smile could make everyone feel like they should smile along with her. Mom had a kind, loving heart, a great a sense of humour and would always do for someone else before thinking of herself.
In the past year, Mom’s Glen Haven family became an important part of her life. She enjoyed many a laugh and gave many a smile to the special people who cared for her daily. We will always be so very thankful for the love and care given to her from the Glen Haven caregivers, but as we were told more than once, "It is hard not to love a sweet lady like Jean."
We are also very thankful for the exceptional care given to Mom from Dr. Spencer Barclay (Caroline) and all the wonderful staff at Aberdeen Hospital Emergency Dept, 4th Floor, 5th Floor and Palliative Care.
Mom is survived by daughters: Valerie (Ronnie), New Glasgow, and Linda, Little Harbour; grandsons: Alexander (Leah), Guelph, ON, and Riley, New Glasgow; sisters: Alice, Westville, and Shirley, Victoria Harbour, ON; and sister-in-law, Erna, Toronto, ON; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
Besides her parents, Tom and Laura, Mom was predeceased by Harold in 1985; siblings: Ralph (Val), John, Dot (Harry), Marg (Jimmy), Bob (Kathleen), Glenn and Lila; brothers-in-law: Gordie MacDonald and Donnie Semple.
Funeral Service is under the direction of R H Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow and will take place in the Little Harbour Presbyterian Church at 1:00pm on Saturday, June 18th. Interment to follow at Church Brook Cemetery, Little Harbour, after which, a reception will be held at the Little Harbour Community Centre. Masks are encouraged, but not mandatory.
Donations may be made to the IWK Foundation, Pictou County Palliative Care Society or give a smile or simple act of kindness to someone who may need it. As Mom would say, a little kindness goes a long way.
We were blessed with the love of a wonderful mother and friend who will be missed dearly.
