Obituary of Jean Best

Elsie Jean Best (Andrews)

April 20, 1937 - October 16, 2024

Elsie “Jean” Best passed peacefully on October 16, 2024 while holding her sweetheart’s hand and surrounded by her family.

Jean was born in Point Leamington, Newfoundland to Ethel and Sedrick Andrews. Jean was one of 11 children. Upon finishing high school, she studied to be a laboratory and X-Ray technician and started her first position in Valleyfield, Newfoundland where she met Cator Best, the love of her life and husband of 65 years. The two married and started their journey in life together in Winnipeg, Manitoba on route to Broadview, Saskatchewan where they had their first child, Garry. The longing to return home to, “The rock” called and the family of three made their way back home to Newfoundland and Labrador where they settled in Goose Bay one year later. There, they had their daughter Susan followed by Angela, a short 17 months later. From there, they had a 2-year detour in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, then moved to Cartwright, Labrador for three years before returning to Goose Bay. In 1975, they settled in the Stephenville/ Kippens area where their three children completed high school. The yearning to be close to family called, and later in life they made their way to Gander, Newfoundland to be close to their grandchildren and eventually moved to Fredericton, New Brunswick to once again be close to family as their great grandchildren began to arrive.

Jean was an astute scrabble player, baker, cook, jam maker and follower of politics. She never shied away from offering her opinion. In true Jean form, she was the first to ask if you had taken your pills, did you check with your doctor, are you saving for your future.

Jean loved her family and liked being around children and youth as especially her “little greats” as she called them. She will join her parents Ethel and Sedrick, brother, Jim Andrews and his wife Joyce Andrews, brother, Barry Andrews and brother in law William (Bill) Brett in her afterlife. She leaves behind her husband Cator; son, Garry Best and wife Johannah; daughter, Susan Torosian and husband Thomas and daughter, Angela Best and husband Neil Hallam.

As well, Jean will be looking out from above for her grandson, Zachary Best and fiancé Morgan Fairweather, grandson Jeffrey Best (Alisha) and great grandchildren Blake and Brooklynn; grandson, Jacob Best (Kathy) and great grandchildren Finn and Hayden.

Jean had regular chats with her siblings: brother Mac (Ethel) Andrews; sister, Marian (Wes) Osmond, sister, Myrtle Morgan, brother, Rex, sister, Mildred (Bill) Brent, brother Eddie (Paulette) Andrews, sister Bonita (Clar) Warford, and sister Dianne (John) Cooper and all of their families.

There will be a private family service on Saturday, October 19th, 2024 to celebrate her life. For those wishing to pay tribute to Jean, donations can be made to Diabetes Canada in her name.