Obituary of Jean Maxan
Jean was born in Jemseg, NB, December 17, 1931, a daughter of the late Francis and Emma (Rowland) Turner and loving wife of Jim Maxan, who passed away in 1994.
She was a lovely lady with many talents. Jean really enjoyed painting on canvas and had a gift for sketching. She also knit beautifully and created many pairs of socks and mittens for the Sharing Club. Jean was a very capable gardener and in her earlier days, she loved to putter in her flower and vegetable gardens. Beyond all of these abilities, Jean’s family will remember what a wonderful cook she was. She loved to bake squares and to the delight of her grandchildren, she made “the best” homemade french fries. Many warm memories surround family dinners at Jean’s. She was an extremely connected grammie, being actively involved at the grandkids schools volunteering and following their events and Jean never missed a birthday party.
Jean also belonged to the Parkinson’s Society and regularly attended their meetings. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Paul’s United Church and a member of the UCW since 1951. Jean additionally “belonged” to her neighborhood. There are many who have lived on and around Jean’s Street for a very long time and she considered her neighbors, not just friends, but an extension of her family. These lifelong connections and friendships meant so very much to Jean and she loved and appreciated you all dearly.
After Jim’s passing, she felt that it would be in her best interest to try to remain independent and at the age of 65 years old, Jean acquired her driver’s license for the very first time. Jean had a desire to travel and had many wonderful adventures. Her trip to England was a highlight and she absolutely delighted in bus trips with the girls and drives to the family property in Grand Lake.
Jean will live on in the hearts of her sons: Douglas Maxan and his wife Debbie of Quispamsis and Rodger Maxan and his wife Lori of Saint John; daughters: Beverlee Gregg and her husband Vincent of Hampton and Lesa Maxan and her husband Rick Brown of Fredericton; her sisters: Joyce Todd of Jemseg, Joan Fanjoy of Moncton, Pam Bearresto of Burton and Jackie Straight and her husband Allan of Cambridge-Narrows; grandchildren; Marissa Gregg of Kingston, NB, Michael Maxan and his wife Monica of Saint John, Emily Maxan of Saint John, and Jeremy Maxan of Edmonton; three great grandchildren; her sisters-in-law Evelyn Turner of Jemseg and Kay MacLeod of Harewood; her dear friend and home care worker, Diana Forward and several nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Along with her parents and husband Jim, Jean was predeceased by her brothers Douglas and Malcolm Turner; her granddaughter Ruthie Jean Maxan and brothers-in-law Ronald Todd, Garnet Fanjoy and Glen Maxan.
Mrs. Jean Maxan of Sussex, NB passed away peacefully at her residence, surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, January 12, 2017.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) where visitation will be held Sunday from 1-3 and 6-8 pm.
A service celebrating Jean’s life will be held on Monday, January 16, 2017 from St. Paul's United Church at 11 am followed by a time of fellowship and light refreshment. Interment in Riverbank Cemetery, in the spring.
If you are considering making a memorial donation, the family has suggested remembrances to the Parkinson Society, Canadian Diabetes Association or Cystic Fibrosis Canada
