Jean Caldwell

Jean Emerson Caldwell, (nee Hutchings) of Stittsville, Ontario passed away peacefully after a brief illness on January 27, 2021 in her 96th year.  Jean was born on September 6, 1924 in the small village of Athelstan, Quebec to Fredrick and Hazel (nee Saunders).  Jean grew up with three brothers during the Great Depression where fun was found in simple pleasures.  She went to the village one-room school house for her elementary education and completed high school at the Huntingdon Academy during World War II.

Jean left the village after high school for the big city (Montreal) working first as a governess in Mount Royal and then starting a career in the Royal Bank.  It was there that she met the love of her life, Don.  They were married in 1951 and began life as a Royal Bank family in Ottawa before moving to Cornwall, Montreal, Halifax, Brockville, St. Catharines and finally to Mississauga.  Throughout this time, Jean raised three sons and volunteered constantly for local charities.

Jean lost Don to ALS in 1980 but instead of turning inward and looking back, she moved forward into a new life.  She volunteered for 20 years as a buyer for the Mississauga General Hospital Gift Shop that was recognized as one of the most profitable gift shops in Ontario.   For her efforts she was awarded a life membership to the Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario in 1998.  All the while, Jean traveled extensively through Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand with friends and cousins.  A social butterfly, Jean made friends wherever she was or traveled.

When organizing parties, gatherings, or reunions, Jean was in her element.  From scavenger hunts, dance lessons, the Stitch and Bitch group, bridge and cards, and neighbourhood picnics, Jean loved to have fun.

Jean retired from active volunteering at age 76 and moved from Mississauga to the Amberwood Community in Stittsville where she remained active with friends and was  involved in the neighbourhood association.  Jean had many  health challenges in her life including spinal meningitis, arthritis, two bouts of cancer and hearing loss. Through it all she moved forward with a smile.

Jean is predeceased by her husband Donald McNair Caldwell and will be sorely missed by her three sons,  Bill (Joan), Brian (Pat) and Brett (Irene).  She was the proud Nana of David, Chris, Ian, Andrea, Allison, Alida and Christina and Great-Nana of Victoria, Katie, Robert, Erik, James, Christopher, William, Emily, Vera, Priya, Jacob and Cameron.  Jean is predeceased by her brothers Saunders, Jim and Nelson and survived by her brother, Bill Hutchings (age 94) of Cornwall, Ontario.  Finally, Jean is fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

For those who wish, please consider a memorial donation to ALS or the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto.  In keeping with Jean’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service.