Jean Adelaide Churchill

After a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease, Jean passed away peacefully at home at the age of 82.

Born in Picton, Jean was the daughter of the late Arthur and Viola (Thompson) Mann. She will be missed by her sister Janet Cole, her brother Doug Mann (Elaine), her sister-in-law Marilyn Mann and her brother-in-law Tom Churchill as well as her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Jerry Mann, brother-in-law Keith Cole, sister-in-law Joan Young, brother-in-law Charlie Young, and sister-in-law Sharon Croft Beemer.

Jean was married to the love of her life, Jim Churchill, from 1962 until his death in 1997. They were devoted parents to their three children, Angela (Gord), Anita (Dwayne), and Michael. Jean had five grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Taylor (Matthew), Morgan, Emma (Kevin), Noah (Paige), and Jonas (Alice). More than anyone, she loved her great-granddaughter, Zelda.

While raising her children and working, Jean also ran 4H clubs, taxied her family around and volunteered. After retirement, Jean became adventurous and showed us that it is never too late to try something new. She learned to fly a plane, she climbed the Niagara escarpment, and she sailed tall ships throughout the Great Lakes. If you could catch up to her on the 401, you’d find her travelling to visit family in the Belleville area. She took belly dancing lessons, learned tai chi, went on a police ride-along, cruised around Hawaii, joined a sorority, volunteered at Blenheim Heritage House and was an active member of bridge and shuffleboard leagues. But more than adventuring, Jean really loved spending time with her family and friends.

We would like to thank the many healthcare workers who helped Jean throughout the last few years, making it possible for her to stay at home. A very special thanks to her PSWs Tena, Becky, Nicole, and Andrea for their kindness to Jean. Thank you, also, to Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Morrison who helped guide us along the unknown path that was Parkinson’s Disease.

Jean was known for throwing fantastic dessert parties. Instead of a visitation or funeral, the family will be holding a dessert party featuring her favourite recipes at a later date. Cremation has taken place, and a private interment will be held in Foxboro.

In lieu of flowers, please considering donating to the Canadian Diabetes Association https://diabetes.ca/ or the Parkinson Society of Southwestern Ontario https://psso.ca/how-to-help/donate/ ; two charities that were very near and dear to Jean’s heart.