Jeannette Fiala

In true religious fashion, Jeannette Marie Fiala (Jean) accepted her wings on Sunday, October 5, 2025 and floated off to heaven… Greeting her when she arrived was her greatly missed husband Frank Fiala (2016), and her much loved children Jody Fiala (2020), and Frankie Fiala (2025). Cherished and adored mother of Mary Lynn McKillop (Tom), Joey Fiala (Linda), Terry Fiala (Janice), Jackie Lalonde (Denis), son-in-law Dan Mifflin, and daughter-in-law Pam Fiala.  Honoured Mémère of Jolene McKillop (Jason), Kirk McKillop (Carly), Marcie King (Matt), Alena Fiala (Nicole), Jared Fiala, Kayla & Jenna Fiala, and Brodie & Madison Lalonde. Special Grande Mémère and giver of treats to Jettson and Marigold Hatton, and Linden McKillop.

Jean was born February 24, 1946 in Chatham, Ontario to Wilfred and Beulah (Griffore) Benoit.  She was eighth born in a family of 10 children: admired sister of the late Omer Benoit (Rita), the late Don Benoit (Anna), Doreen Alexander (late Don), late Bernice Fiala (late Ed), Diane Myers (late Robert), Leo Benoit (Adrienne), the late Annette VanDeHogen (Peter), Roland Benoit (Connie), and Lucille Laprise (Jean). Sister-in-law to the late Vera Engl and Fred. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mom was truly a saint. Mom treasured her children and her mission in life was to provide for and take care of them. She always put her children’s needs before her own and was a home maker by heart. She worked hard on the farm while raising her 6 chidren, and when they went to school, she continued to work in the agricultural sector planting and harvesting crops for local farms and greenhouses. Mom enjoyed traveling with her one and only love, and of course spoiling her grandchildren.

There was always an abundance of food cooking in Mom’s kitchen and the cookie jar was never empty. Mom’s door was always open to everyone, not only for home-cooked meals but also a place for comfort. If six kids weren’t enough, she welcomed more in need. Birthdays and special occasion cards were always purchased and done up well in advance for fear that she should miss someone’s special day. She was very thoughtful and sometimes a stubborn soul. No matter the job that needed to be done, she was bound and determined to do what she could to help, regardless of her limitations. Mom was proud to be a 100 time blood donor, and was Queen of the 3 r’s: she reduced, reused and recycled to the limit (she was married to Frank for 53 years).

In keeping with Mom’s wishes, there will be no Funeral Home visitation. A Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday October 9, 2025 at St. Mary’s church to celebrate her life. Internment at Evergreen Cemetery in Blenheim to follow.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory be made to the
Chatham-Kent Hospice. https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/