Obituary of Jean Yvonne West

Jean Yvonne West, nee Lantz, peacefully passed away on January 6, 2024, at the age of 96, in Plaster Rock, New Brunswick. She was born on May 14, 1927, in Fox River, Nova Scotia to the late Ruth (Ross) and John Reid Lantz. Jean is survived by her son, Robert Reid West of Ottawa, his wife Lorraine Jaksic and her children, Tamara and Langley Jaksic. Jean is also survived by her granddaughters, Britta Regan West (Kevin Jamieson) of Vancouver, BC, and Carling Marie West-Ortiz of Portland, OR; her great-granddaughter, Maitri Pepper Jamieson; and many nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, Donald Gloag West, her siblings Wilfred Lantz, Sarah Varner, Jacquline Parker, and Mary Neville. 

Jean was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to education. She began her teaching career at 16, in a one-room schoolhouse in Nova Scotia, while many young male teachers were away at war.  After receiving her teacher’s certificate from the Normal College, in Fredericton, NB, she became a highly respected and cherished teacher at South Devon Elementary. Jean was well-loved by her students and was often approached by former students giving thanks for their experience in her classroom. She was known for her exceptional memory and could recall her students’ faces from the names on her roll call lists from years before. 

Outside of her profession and in retirement, Jean was rarely still. She loved to socialize and was a well-adored member of her community. Her membership in many formal and informal social circles and community initiatives was ever-present. She rarely had a day with no commitments or engagements whether it be through community events, volunteering, playing bridge, quilting, or simply having tea and a laugh with her many friends.

Jean was an expert craftswoman, having started knitting as a child and continuing until her hands could no longer hold the needles in her early nineties. She tatted, crocheted, quilted, and knitted her entire life. Jean found immense joy in the company of her quilting group, cherishing their friendship and proudly showcasing the quilt her friends made for her 90th birthday, a party at which she was shocked at the large number of family, friends, and former students who showed up to wish her well. 

Jean loved to travel. She visited England, Scotland, Alaska, St. Kitts, drove and took the train across Canada, and once said “Who am I to have been able to go so many places and see so many wonderful things? I was born with next to nothing in Fox River.”  

Jean was deeply connected to her family. She was a devoted mother to her son, and subsequently very devoted to her granddaughters. Jean was also engaged and busy with her extended family. Being the youngest of her siblings, she was especially close with her sisters and thusly, her nieces, nephews, and their children have many fond memories of time with their Aunt Jean. She rarely missed an opportunity to visit or to stay connected with them and formed many close relationships with her extended family.

Jean's life was filled with warmth, love, and dedication. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, the community of Fredericton, and all those whose lives she touched. Her legacy as a devoted and well-loved woman in her community and family will continue to inspire those who knew her.

The family would like to thank Lindsey Briggs for her loving care of Jean over the last four years, and the excellent care of the staff at 3 Brooks Villa where Jean spent her final days. 

Interment and a graveside service will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery on Wednseay, July 31, 2024 at 11:00 am.