Ina Jean McWhirter Lawrence

Jean was the 6th and sole surviving member of the Ina and Logan McWhirter family, who were pioneer farmers in the area south of Pincher Creek. Shortly before her birth on June 22, 1922, her mother and father barely survived a lightning strike on the family farm.

Jean attended the local schools walking or riding horseback across fields. She became an accomplished pianist and was a popular addition to community events. On completion of high school, she accepted a position as postmistress in the hamlet of Hertell in Turner Valley.

There Jean met and became engaged to a young civil engineer – Army Lieut. Norman Lawrence. They married on June 17, 1942 and spent the summer at the Army Camp in Chilliwack, BC. When Norman’s tour of duty in Europe commenced in Dec. 1942, Jean returned to the family farm to care for her family members and ailing mother. On Norman’s return, in Jan. 1946 they moved to Edmonton and eventually purchased a home in the Highlands district.

There commencing, in 1949, their family of Stu, Bob, Bill, and Kathy were born and in 1960, they moved to a larger house in the Laurier district. Jean was active in church and community efforts, particularly in the Laurier Brownie Group. In time and with the children graduating from the U of A, moving out, and leaving an empty nest, they purchased a condominium on 100 Ave. They lived there until 2010 when Norm suffered a minor stroke and they moved to the assisted living complex Canterbury Court.

Jean is survived by her loving husband of 70 years Norm, and children Stu (Marlene), Bob (Bev), Bill (Adele), Kathy, 8 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will take place at 3 pm on Thursday, January 31th at Laurier Heights Baptist Church–semicolon–
8505 – 142 Street, Edmonton.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors of the U of A Hospital and the Palliative Care Unit at the General Hospital for their care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.