Obituary of Ethel St Jean

It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing of Ethel Anne St. Jean (né Lefebvre) of New Liskeard in her 81st year.

Momma.  Mumsy.  Momma Bear.  Gramma.  Essie.  Aunt Essie. Sister. Cousin.  Friend.  We had many names for her -- but what we all shared was our deep love for this remarkably kind and good natured woman.

Ethel was a Latchford girl, and she spent her first years there loving school and trading comic books with her brother, George. She read early and a lot, and recounted many tales of hiding under blankets with books and a flashlight so her parents, George and Ruth, would not catch her reading after bedtime.

When she was fifteen years old, she met the man who would become the centre of life for the next forty-seven years:  Elroy St. Jean.  Together they raised a big, boisterous family first on Broadwood Avenue and then on Lakeshore Road.

While Ethel experienced significant loss in her life – losing her daughter Wendy and husband Elroy – she always persevered.  She found solace in her family, many friends, flower gardens, and of course the nightly ritual of watching Coronation Street, aka “The Street.”

She leaves behind children Terry St. Jean (and Sharon) of Calgary, Penny Redmond (and Michael) of Toronto, Len (and Lisa) of Medicine Hat, and Mandy (and Kent) of Eden Mills.  She also found great joy in her many grandchildren: Kate, Justin, Cameron, Kellie, Erin, Jessica and Rachel. She also leaves three siblings with whom she stayed close her whole life: George Lefebvre, Basil Lefebvre, and Lynn Godden, all of Latchford.

Please join us to celebrate her memory and laugh as she would have wanted us to.

We also ask you that you remember the important lessons Mom taught us:  always water your plants, never hold a grudge, read as much as possible, and never ever go to bed without watching at least one episode of Coronation Street.

The family of the late Mrs. St Jean will receive friends and family at the Perrin Funeral Chapel on Friday, August 17, 2018 from 7 until 9 p.m.

The funeral will be celebrated on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 3 p.m. from the St Paul's United Church, New Liskeard. Rev. Judith Visser officiating.

If desired donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart & Stroke Foundation or to the Timiskaming Home Support would be appreciated.