Jean Metcalfe

Jean Katherine Metcalfe, WWII Veteran, (Nov 12, 1924 - Apr 22, 2017) passed away peacefully at home with family at her side. She will be dearly missed by her loving husband Keith, cherished by daughters Janice (Tom) Witty, Nancy (Bill) Gregor and Maureen (Andres) Metcalfe-Tamm; grandchildren and great grandchildren: Andrea (Wayne Williams) Witty, Serena Williams; Michael Witty; Scott Craig, Jenna Craig; Keith (Shauna Towriss) Gregor; Sabrina (Ryan Hirschmann) Gregor, Taya Hirschmann; Anneli and Krista Tamm; nephew Bert (Diane) O'Flaherty, Kathy Koo (deceased), Janet (Vito Orient) Pal and many other nephews, nieces and relatives on the Scott, Crocker and Metcalfe family side. Predeceased by mother Rachael Scott, father Albert E (Kathleen) Scott; sister, Beryl O'Flaherty and brother, Albert J (Doris) Scott. Jean was born in Parry Sound, spent her early years in Markdale and later teens in Port Credit. She joined the RCAF in 1943, travelling throughout Canada during her years in the service. Jean met Keith in Montreal at RCAF Wireless School, while both were "on duty". They were married in 1948 in Toronto and raised their daughters in Willowdale until their retirement to their Torrance, Ontario home in the mid ‘80s. Jean enjoyed a 25-year career at the North York Board of Education. Over the years, Jean was an active member of Danforth Baptist Church women's groups, a Girl Guide leader and Trefoil Guild member, member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Willowdale Branch 66 and Bala Branch 424, various knitting and quilting groups and the Red Hats Society. She was an amazing seamstress and quilter and was well known as the "knitter of crazy socks". An avid bridge and euchre player in Torrance, Bala and Gravenhurst, Jean was apt to put almost everything aside to ensure she didn't miss a game or tournament. Jean loved her gardens (notably pulling weeds), had a passion for orchids, her bell collection, bird watching and professional hockey. She was a Toronto Star crossword puzzle fanatic. While Jean was seemingly quiet and reserved, she didn't miss an opportunity to share her ideas or opinions and was always up for a good debate. Jean and Keith travelled across Canada and the world together including Great Britain, Scandinavia, and Europe and cruising through the Panama Canal and Baltic Seas, making lifelong friends along their way in England, Germany, Sweden, Holland and Estonia. Jean's passion was travelling...with or without Keith (Girl Guides: Our Chalet, Switzerland; Pax Lodge, England; Our Cabana, Mexico; and New Zealand with the Trefoil ladies). Jean camped with her girls to the east coast, through the eastern provinces and states, meeting up with Keith in Newfoundland; Sibbald's Point Provincial Park and Girl Guide Camp-Bonita Glen were annual camping events for many years. She was always looking for a new adventure and didn't shy away from white water rafting in New Zealand or flying in a Harvard - a WWII airplane at the Edenvale Aerodrome Airport well into her 80's. Nana Jean was an active and loving participant in her grandchildren's activities and lives. Over the years, Jean truly enjoyed seeing all of "her" Black Lake families as they grew and matured. She had a genuine interest in people and had a knack for making them feel special and appreciated. Jean's physical presence has been taken away from us far too soon, but her spirit will always remain close to our hearts. Because of her, we know what courage, strength and unconditional love is all about. Life will never be the same without you. You have given us what we need to move on. You have given us so many memories. Jean's family is grateful for the care and support provided by Dr. D. Bushey, the medical, administrative and support staff at Amica at Barrie and CCAC South Muskoka and Drs. K.V. Dechert, M. Krawetz. Special thanks to family and friends who held us up with their prayers and support. Jean's parting comments: "a life well lived with no regrets"! A Celebration of Life to remember Jean Metcalfe will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 1:00 pm at the Bala Community Centre (1008 Maple Street, Bala) with the reception at the Royal Canadian Legion, Bala Branch 424 1011 Maple Street, Bala, Ontario P0C 1A0. Online condolences may be made at www.cavillfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers to honour Jean, donations to Heart & Stroke Foundation and South Muskoka Memorial (Bracebridge) Hospital are appreciated by the family.

Service Information

Saturday, May 6th, 2017 1:00pm, Bala Community Centre

Details:

Service Extra Info Bala Community Centre, 1008 Maple Street, Bala.

Interment Details

Torrance Cemetery