Obituary of Jean Davies
Jean Davies: May 8, 1937- July 3, 2026
Anyone who was lucky enough to know Jean understands the impossible task of conveying how kind, generous, and loving she was with mere words.
Born in Port Talbot, Wales to George and Beryl Sheppard, Jean grew up a stone’s throw from her beloved Aberavon Beach. Her childhood experiences included seeing WW2 bomber activity over the beaches and bringing oranges to Germans in the POW camp in her hometown. Performing arts was a big part of her early life – she obtained a certificate in drama from the prestigious London Guildhall School of Music and Drama and acted in the local YMCA drama club with Anthony Hopkins.
Sheppi, as she was known to her friends, continued her education at the University of Birmingham where she obtained her teaching certificate. Her career started in London, England and continued back to her hometown in Wales.
As beautiful young woman she had many suitors but, in the end, it was Terry that she loved and chose as her lifelong partner that included over 65 years of marriage. They settled in Bridgend and together they built a family with 3 wonderful children – Carl, Tania (Ron Dube) and Ceri (Troy Fletcher). Her love eventually extended to her six beautiful grandchildren – Riley, Declan, Abby, Sophie, Caden and Jax whom she adored. She was the greatest Mum and Nana and ensured her kids had the best education, sports and arts experiences.
Jean’s adventurous spirit helped shape their lives. At her encouragement, Terry accepted an international job opportunity that took them from Wales to Stephenville, Newfoundland, where they fell in love with Canada and its people. After a time back in Bristol, England, they returned to Canada for good, living in Toronto, St. John’s, Quispamsis, and eventually the beautiful town of Sussex. Her ability to integrate our family in a new community, make friends, her never-ending capacity to strike up conversation, were gifts that she shared and that made our lives much easier.
There was never a trip she wouldn’t take, a game she wouldn’t play, or quiet encouragement (or not so subtle advice) she didn’t share. With recipes passed along, we are hopeful the traditions of Welsh cakes, sugar cookies, pasties, and Sunday roast beef and Yorkshire pudding dinners will be carried on.
She had many wonderful friends and relationships that endured decades and distance including some of her closest friends Wendy, Marion and Mary who predeceased her. The door to our house was always open and Mum hosted many boxing day gatherings, bridge and dinner parties and fun wine and cheese evenings with wonderful friends and neighbours.
She was a beautiful (and enthusiastic) singer, an adequate golfer, a competitive bridge player, her kids’ taxi-driver, and a life member of the United Church and United Church Women. She was also generous with her time and giving to others. Though proudly Canadian, she remained Welsh at heart.
She will be fondly remembered and missed by those who were lucky enough to know her.
The family would like to thank Dr Ward, Dr Wildish and the nurses and staff at Sussex Health Centre for their care and compassion. We are forever grateful to Wayman, Andrea, the neighbours on the hill and Cathy, all of whom made it possible for Mum to live and thrive at home until this final journey.
If you could, in her honour, do something kind for someone or donate to St Paul’s United Church a local charity – I know she would be appreciated. A celebration of life will be held later in August.
Donations and personal condolences can be made through wallacefuneralhome.com
