Jean Lepage (nee Sturko), age 93 years, of Brandon, Manitoba passed away after a short battle with infection at Extendicare Valleyview on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. She was predeceased by mere hours by her husband Warrant Officer Maurice "Moe" Anthony Lepage, age 98 years, of Brandon, Manitoba who died of a broken heart also at Extendicare Valleyview on Tuesday October 17, 2023 after learning Jean would not recover.

Jean was born in Brandon, Manitoba in 1930 to Stanley and Ann (nee Chyzyk) Sturko, and Moe was born in 1925 in Kirkland Lake, Ontario to John and Elsie (nee Brennan) Lepage. The two met in Brandon, Manitoba after World War II when Moe was stationed nearby, and were married on November 20, 1948. This November would have been their 75th wedding anniversary.

During their time together, they lived across Canada and Europe traveling with the Canadian Armed Forces, settling in Brandon, Manitoba in the early 70s when Moe retired from the army. After leaving the army Moe worked for Simplot until he was 65. Jean worked various retail positions until their granddaughter, Natascha, was born in 1983. Then she retired and became Natascha's care provider while her daughter, Judy, worked as a nurse. Jean was always an active volunteer first with Natascha's school functions (Valleyview Centennial School) and more extensively with Extendicare Valleyview starting when her mother, Ann, lived there in the mid-1990s until Covid hit in 2020. For over 40 years Moe and Jean lived in the west end of Brandon before moving to Rotary Villas at Crocus Gardens and then on to Extendicare Valleyview.

Moe will be remembered as a World War II Veteran. He had a quick wit and a creative side that came out in his retirement with his woodworking creations. His claim to fame was golfing an 80 at 80 years old. Jean will be remembered for her positive outlook, can-do attitude and delicious baking. Despite being blind, and having crippling arthritis in her later years she remained optimistic. Daily she met Moe on their floor's common area and said good morning with a kiss. She touched many lives of both residents and staff at Extendicare Valleyview over her 20+ years in the building, many who came to see her and say goodbye in her final hours.

Moe and Jean were predeceased by many family members and almost all of their friends. They are survived by their daughter Judy Ann Jung (Dan Allen), their granddaughter Natascha Diane Jung (Mark Richard Neskar), and their great granddaughter Gabrielle Jean Neskar.

In keeping with their wishes, a private graveside service for Jean and Moe will be held at the Brandon Cemetery Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take time to call or break bread with your loved ones to honor Jean and Moe's eternal love for each other and their family. Donations in memory of Jean and Moe may be made to The CNIB Foundation, 354 10th St, Brandon MB R7A 4G1.

Jean and Moe's family wishes to extend their sincerest thanks to the staff and Dr. Caplan of Extendicare Valleyview for the support, care, and love of Jean and Moe over the years. Thank you for your service.