Jean Melanson

Surrounded by people she loved and who loved her back, Jean Melanson passed away peacefully at home on Saturday November 20, 2021.  She was the last surviving child of the late Irene & Ray Pearce of Leamington, having been predeceased by her sister, Maxine (Quinlan), and two brothers, Daryl and Murray.

She was predeceased by her husband, Paul Melanson, who she absolutely adored for over 35 years. As sad as we are to lose her, we feel comfort knowing she is resting with the love of her life.

Jean will be missed dearly by her daughters – Cindy & Wes Girard, Denise & Terry Walker, Kim Giannini (Lee), and her step daughter Susan & Kevin Passwaters.  She was predeceased by her son Kevin Bailey. Jean was loved by 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, who knew they would be spoiled the moment they walked into her home. She will also be missed by her tiny fur babies – Abby and Chica – who spent every day by her side.

Friends will remember Jean for her years working in the dietary department at Southwestern Regional Centre.  In Jean and Paul’s retirement, they enjoyed summers at Wildwood Trailer Park and enjoyed winters in their home in Sarasota, Florida. She was never a big fan of cold weather or snow. She was a member of the Blenheim Seniors Centre and a part of the Happy Gang that put on yearly shows to raise money for the operations of the Regional Centre.  She was a collector of many things, but especially loved dolls and belonged to a local doll club. Jean had an amazing talent of building miniature doll houses and proudly won many awards for her work. She absolutely loved to shop, and Paul always supported her habit by driving her wherever she asked to go, and waiting in the car for her (sometimes all day) while she filled up the trunk with countless shopping bags.

Jean was one of a kind- beautiful, tenacious, compassionate, and gracious. The love she had for her family was ferocious and undeniable. She would do anything for those that she loved and easily made friends wherever she went. Jean was a presence with expensive taste and will truly be missed.

Unlike Paul, whose favourite music was Hank Williams, Jean loved Bob Seger.  So if you’re missing her someday, follow her advice:  “Blare some Seger and make yourself a Caesar…extra vodka and a splash of clamato!”

If you wish to remember her with a memorial donation, please consider Chatham-Kent Hospice, as this was a charity that was dear to her heart and she has donated to in the past.  Online condolences for the family and memorial donations may be left at www.blenheimcommunityfuneralhome.com

Cremation has taken place.  A time of visitation for Jean will take place at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday November 27, 2021 from 2 – 4 p.m. & 7 – 9 p.m.  Friends wishing to attend are asked to call the Funeral Home at 519-676-9200 to schedule a visitation time.  Face coverings are mandatory.