Jean Rose Whittington, beloved wife of Bob, passed away suddenly at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Monday, June 26, 2000. Born on November 1, 1938 in Minnedosa, Manitoba Jean became the only daughter of six children to Bert and Alice Weech. The family lived in Moore Park at the time. Jean's father was killed in action during WWII when she was 5 years old leaving behind her mother and the six children to raise. While her brothers were in school, Jean would pick wild flowers, sit on the railway tracks to sort them and proceed to sell bouquets for a "nackle" to her favorite customers in the community! Her education began in Moore Park where she attended school from grades 1 to 3. The family then moved to Brandon where Jean completed grades 4 to 12 at King George, Earl Haig, and Central Schools. At the age of 9, Jean began taking tap dancing and ballet lessons which was the beginning of many years of enjoyment. Following high school she went on to take her nurses training at the Brandon General Hospital and became a registered nurse. During her training, Jean met and fell in love with her friend and life partner, Bob Whittington from Winnipeg. She moved to Winnipeg to nurse at Deer Lodge for 2 years. Jean and Bob were married on September 16, 1961 in Brandon. "Not everybody is fortunate enough to marry their best friend." Jean then became a head nurse during her nursing career at the Assiniboine Centre. Bob and Jean were blessed with three sons: Dale, Dean and Kent. Jean decided once giving birth to her third son to stay at home and raise her family. She became a 2nd mom to many neighborhood children. She spent many hours with her boys taking them on many adventures throughout Brandon from Kiddies Korner to Curren Park. Jean always took great interest in her children's activities including: school events, swimming, hockey, baseball, track and field, and music lessons. She always encouraged them to do their best. Jean was very proud of her boys and was always "the perfect fan" of their achievements. Every Friday and Saturday night Bob and Jean would kick up their heels on the dance floor. They enjoyed many activities together; dancing, bowling and walking everywhere. Jean was small in stature yet strong and full of spunk! Jean's love for music and dancing were only but a few of her trademarks. In earlier years she travelled throughout Manitoba to perform tap and ballet. She was light on her feet and full of grace - a beautiful dancing doll. More recently Jean belonged to the Keystone Cloggers in Brandon which she thoroughly enjoyed. She also loved gardening, flowers, cooking and baking, Bingo and camping with the family. Jean's magical hands turned her raspberries and apples into jams, juice, pies and special treats. Her delicious turkey dinners, spaghetti, banana cream and cheesecake pies were always a hit! She loved to prepare special surprises for her family. Her grandsons, Mitchell and Braydon, loved Grandma and had a great time with her. Together they enjoyed playing basketball at Meadows School; taking long walks along the railway tracks followed by a donut treat; picnics in the park; picking raspberries; dancing with Grandma and just spending time with her. Jean loved her family and spending time with them whenever she had an opportunity. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband Bob; sons: Dale of Toronto, Dean (Kim) of Brandon, and Kent (fiance Jenny) of Calgary; grandsons Mitchell and Braydon. Also left to cherish her memory are Jean's mother Alice Weech (special friend Orval) of Brandon; brothers: Earl (Dorothy) Weech of Cranbrook, Ken (Ellie) Weech of Edmonton, Glen (Rose) Weech of Calgary, and Eldon Weech of Kelowna; sister-in-law Marjorie Weech of Victoria; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her father Bert Weech and brother Allan. The ceremony to celebrate Jean's life was held at Memories Chapel on Friday, June 30, 2000. Rev. Bob Wiebe officiated. Eldest son, Dale, carried Mom to her final resting place in the Rosewood Memorial Gardens surrounded by family for a private interment. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Jean to the B.R.H.C., Emergency Equipment Fund, 150 McTavish Ave. E., Brandon, MB R7A 2B3.

"We love you and will forever cherish the special memories of you.
You were a jewel in our treasure box of life!"