Obituary of Jean Louise Brighton

Mrs. Jean Louise Brighton was born in Saint John on December 1, 1927 to Mabel (Bastin) Vint. She was the daughter of the late Cecil and Nesta Inkpen.

Jean grew up in the orphanage in Saint John until the age of twelve, she then became an Inkpen and was blessed to be a part of their loving family.

In the early 50's, on one of her many trips to the Jardine store at the top of church avenue; Jean would meet Alex Brighton. On June 6, 1951, they were married on the homestead and from that homestead they would continue their love story until Alex's passing in 1988.
 

Jean loved horses and angels, playing bingo and knitting and was known for her fruitcakes. One fruitcake stood out from all the others, the time Willis got his hands on it and added a little rum when she wasn't looking. Jean couldn't understand why everyone liked it so much, until the girls ratted him out.

Lovingly referred to by many as "the knitting lady". Jean was a warm, kind and caring woman with a heart of gold and a contagious smile. She loved spending time with her family, especially trips to Meehan's Cove, Deer Island, Kings Landing and she always enjoyed her visits with her sister Katie. One of the greatest highlights for Jean was meeting her biological sister, Betty in 1999, 70 years after they had been separated.

Jean had always said that she never wanted to go to a nursing home, she wanted to live out her days on the side hill in Wards Creek. Thanks to Tony and Krista-Leigh, that was possible for her. She spent a wonderful 66 years in her little piece of heaven.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

She will live on in the hearts of her daughters: Marie Watkins and her husband John of Sussex and Rose Brighton and Ron McShane of Lower Millstream; her grandchildren: Kim Forgrave and her husband Rick; Tony Watkins and his wife Krista-Leigh, Jamie Watkins and his wife Amy, Paula McShane and Jude Aubin, Tina Mitton and her husband Doug and Steven Ferron and Twyla Bauman; her great grandchildren: Jasmine (Jamie), Caija, Joshua, Noah, Tyrel, Landon, Alex, Phoenix, Jonathon, Joey, Kala, Matt and Ryan; her great great grandchildren: Patience, Charlie, Harmony, Octavia, Amellia, Mackinley, Zack, Elena, Billie, Tiana, Eliza, Jackson and Iva; her special friend and homemaker, Joan Hall and Joan's family; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Jean Louise Brighton of Wards Creek passed away surrounded by her family on  March 12, 2019 at the age of 91.

Along with her parents, she is predeceased by her husband, Alex; her son, Willis Brighton and by her siblings: Harold Inkpen, Dillwyn Inkpen, Catherine (Katie) Baxter and Elizabeth (Betty) Woodcock.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home (506-433-1176), 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB.  from where visitation will be held on Friday, March 15, 2019 from 2-4 and 7-9pm. A Celebration of Jean's life will be held from Wallace Community Chapel on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 11:00am with Jeanette Cosman officiating. The private graveside service will take place in Trinity Anglican Cemetery in the spring.

There will be a time of fellowship with the family immediately following the service.  

If you are considering making a memorial donation in memory of Jean, the family has recommended the Living Memorial or to the charity of your choice. Condolences to the family and donations may be made through WallaceFuneralHome.com