Jean passed away, at the age of 96, on Thursday, June 29 at Fairview Home in Brandon, Manitoba. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 14, 1926. Her parents, George Paton and Kate Crawford Paton had emigrated from Scotland to the United States following George completing his apprenticeship in brass metalworking for locomotives and train cars. They moved to Canada where her brother, Robert, was born in 1933. The family lived in Winnipeg before going back to Scotland for a short time. Crossing the Atlantic in a steamship was a great adventure for Jean and was one of many in her lifetime.

She loved to spend time with her friends cross country skiing and speed skating in the winter and had summers at Minaki, Ontario at her aunt's cottage, Helenslee. A big influence in her life came from spending time studying the Bible with the Beamish family down the block from their house in the West End of Winnipeg. This time led her to choose Jesus as her one and only saviour and to follow the teachings of the Church of Christ.

Jean worked at Eaton's as a teenager and then progressed to the Metropolitan Theatre on Donald eventually managing the office as a bookkeeper during high school. She graduated from Daniel McIntyre in the 40's and then went to Business school. While working at Metropolitan Life Insurance in clerical, she went to CN picnics with her family. At one of these events, she met Gordon, a CN brakeman and a farmer.

Jean and Gordon were married on November 3, 1951 in Winnipeg and started their farm on the Mills farm about a mile from where they eventually established their home farm on Hwy #250. Their son, Lawrence, born in 1953 was followed by Catherine in 1957 and Pamela in 1961. Gordon was involved with the Masons and Jean was a Scout leader and a 4H leader. As a 4H leader, she inspired many young women to study sewing, handicrafts and public speaking. Eventually, Jean started work at McKenzie's General store and managed the store accounts.

While they had a working grain farm, it was important to get away for weekend drives and vacations to Clear Lake. Winter vacations to Florida and eventually, Arizona also made easy vacation destinations for all of us! They retired from the farm to a house in Brandon in the winter of 1986. In a new city and living a few blocks from their church, Jean settled into retired life. She worked on knitting, sewing and decorating their new home. Of course, she doted on her grandchildren, Deanna Rae and Amber Brie and their grandson, Jeff. Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners at Grandma's house were something to remember.

Jean was compassionate, creative and inspired many in our family and the community with her guiding Christian principles. We will miss her greatly and our memories and stories of her will be shared for years to come.

Jean will be lovingly remembered by her children Lawrence, Cathie and Pamela (Larry Kalyniak); grandchildren Brie Seniuk (Kurtis), Deanna McFarlane and Jeff Kalyniak; and great grandchildren Olivia, Marin, Ava and Isla. She was predeceased by her husband Gordon, parents George and Kate Paton, and brother Robert.

Thank you to the staff at Fairview Home and Victoria Landing Assisted Living for their care of our mother.

The Celebration of Jean's Life will take place at Memories Chapel, 330 – 18th Street North, Brandon on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. followed by private interment at Rosewood Memorial Gardens then reception at Memories Chapel.

Donations in memory of Jean may be made to the charity of your choice.

Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."