It is with heavy hearts we mourn for our Mother’s passing on Friday, April 23, 2021. May she be at peace with her lifelong love Donald John Moyer.
She will be forever loved and remembered by her 4 daughters: Patricia Moyer, Janice Summersides, Elizabeth Moyer and Linda Bock (Raymond); 4 grandchildren Ashley (Chris), Shannon (Jeff), Karen (Frey) and Andrew; and 3 great granddaughters: Ivy, Ada, and Skadi. Also mourning her loss is her extended family in Ontario.
Jean Isobel Moyer (nee Richardson) was born in North Bay, Ontario. She grew up camping, fishing, and canoeing on the northern waterways of Ontario with her beloved father Stanley and brother Bill. Canoes and gardening would become passions she would carry throughout her life. At the age of 89, she was nominated by Edmonton’s City in Bloom committee for the beauty of her gardens.
She first noticed Donald Moyer in Sunday school. Later in her teens, she would make a point of being in her front garden when he walked by her house. Beauty would not be denied, and it was not long before Don would stop to chat and get to know her. They became lifelong partners and would grow up dancing and skating arm and arm the rest of their lives.
During the late 1940s, Jean worked in her father’s furniture store taking over as the manager. When she did, their revenues soared. At the end of summer in 1949, Don worked surveying to pay for their upcoming wedding in August. He lost all his summer’s wages in a poker game. Undaunted, Jean married him anyway. Don was accepted into medical school at Western University in London, Ontario where Jean worked to pay for his education. Medicine would take them to Vancouver and onto Edmonton where they settled in 1956. Don was offered a medical partnership at the Allin Clinic.
Jean was a loving, caring and a supportive mother. She instilled in her daughters a strong belief in education, independence, and resiliency.
Don and Jean shared their love for the outdoors and skiing with their children. Summers were spent camping and winters were for skiing at Marmot Basin, in Jasper, Alberta. They were instrumental in the development of Marmot Basin, becoming involved with the ski hills operation. They enjoyed every winter in Jasper well into their 80’s. In the 1970’s, she and Don built their dream cottage at Lesser Slave Lake. This massive lake with its wilderness and sandy beaches reminded them of their youth in North Bay, Ontario. They met many more lifetime friends on the beaches and around campfires, enjoying cottage life well into their 90’s.
Don had a gregarious personality and loved to socialize. Jean was the organizer of many a party. She was the “hostess with the mostess”. Their home was filled with warmth and love. Any friend or intern who was without family for the holidays was always welcome for Christmas dinner. Late in life she commented “I miss Don, he was so much fun “.
They shared a love of hockey, football, and travel. At age 60, Jean said to Don, “I am going traveling. Are you coming”? They were avid supporters of Edmonton’s hockey and football. When Wayne Gretzky was traded to L.A, Jean cried.
Don passed in 2016 and Jean made the move into independent retirement living. At 92, Jean challenged the driver’s exam and passed with flying colours. As she said near the end “Not bad for a 5 foot 2, eyes of blue, gal”! Nothing could be more understated. We will miss you Mom.
There will be no memorial service due to COVID restrictions. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeans’ memory to the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory. http:www.lslbo.org.
Many thanks to the excellent staff at Our Parents Home and to the outstanding care and compassion shown by all the staff at the Norwood Palliative Care Facility.
Avis Husel says
Dearest Tricia, Janny, Betsy and Linda, I’m so very sorry. So many fond memories we all shared. Your Mom was always so kind and with a naughty twinkle in her eye. You said it perfectly only 5’2 but a powerful inspiration as a young girl. May you be blessed and comforted with your memories and know she made such a difference in our lives growing up🙏💕
Jane Moyer Adlard says
Western Cousins,
A wonderfully written and so much appreciated tribute to your mother and my Auntie Jean. What a profound lesson we learn from your reflections on their relationship as they navigated the challenges of a rich and productive life. Always anxious to host a visit from my western cousins. Your parents will always be part of the journey I travel. Thanks!
Cousin, Jane Moyer Adlard
Deborah Moyer Lawson says
Dear Cousins
Such a wonderful tribute to both your Mom and Dad. I have such wonderful memories of fun times with both. May you take comfort that they are joined once again and enjoying their next adventure.
My love to all,
Cousin Debbie
Tim Husel says
We enjoy watching many home movies of birthdays and get togethers of both your parents and us kids. What great friends and partners they were and one day, under better circumstances, we should get together and again share these experiences. You have my sincere condolences
Tim Husel
Sally Barton says
Moyer family, we are so sorry to hear of Jeanie, this summer will be hard not seeing her. Jeanie was a wonderful friend and neighbor.
Doris Kent says
To all the girls….so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. She was a generous, kind woman and such a rock for your Dad. Wishing you all peace and comfort with good memories and a life well lived.
Rick and Betty Johnson says
Tricia, Betsy, Jan and Linda and all of the “young “Moyers” we have met and love, our hearts are with yours in mourning the loss of our dear Jeannie. Your mom and dad, grandma and grandpa were part of our beloved Marten Beach family and their presence there is truly missed.
May their loving memories surround you in the days to come.
Patricia Radcliffe says
For Jean’s family, near and far, our thoughts are with you as you travel this journey of the loss of your dear Jean. Our family feels such gratitude for the memories we built together in the mountains and by the lake with the the two people that our children affectionately called Gramma Jean and Grandpa Don. Jean always made everyone welcome and comfortable.
May you cherish the good memories left for you to share.
From the Radcliffe Wrightson
Glenda Pidde says
Your mom was a very special woman. She was so wise, kind, and loved by everyone. What a beautiful tribute from her loving daughters.
Glenda Pidde
Glenda Pidde says
Your mom was a very special woman. She was so wise, kind, and loved by everyone.
Glenda Pidde
Glenda Pidde says
What a beautiful tribute.
Steve and Marion Langton says
We were sorry to hear of the passing of Jean Moyer. She was a kind and thoughtful person who was a pillar of strength in the Moyer family. We offer our sincere condolences to the family in this time of grief.
Steve and Marion Langton
Louise Coleman-Bradford & Wes Bradford says
To the Moyer family – we were so sad to hear about Jean’s passing. She was such a lovely, friendly and kind lady. Sending you our most sincere sympathy
Bloyce & Lois Mac Rae says
Dear Ray & Linda
It is with deep sadness we have learned of mrs Moyer passing
she was a warm and friendly lady, you will miss her greatly Linda
she lived a long and full life .
Bloyce&lois Mac Rae
Marita Cairns says
Tricia, Betsy, Jan, Linda and all your family my deepest sympathy to you.
I have very fond memories of Jeanie and how gracious, generous and
caring she was. She will be missed by many.
JO-ANNE OGLE says
Jan, I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I met her only a couple of times, but reading about her and your family helps me to understand just what an amazing person she was. I am sure that she will be greatly missed, but that over time you will be able to remember her with laughter and great fondness.
With kind regards and sincere condolences
Jessie Trottier says
I was so saddened to read that Jeanie had passed away. It reminded me of the wonderful summers we spent at Marten Beach, the fun we shared and the lifelong friendships we made will remain with me and my family. You and your families are in our thoughts.
Love,
The Trottier Family
Martha Watson and Willie King says
Dear Tricia, Ashley and Karen,
It was so beautiful to learn more about your Mom and Grandmother, She leaves a big hole in your hearts right now but her memories will help to fill it back up. What a full and active life she led! We know you have hers and your Father’s/Grandfather’s zeal for life. I can see the many gifts she bestowed on you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With love Martha Watson and Willie King
Ken Nesbitt says
Dear cousins,
My condolences to the western arm of the family on Aunt Jean’s passing. She lived a long, well-lived life, and has been reunited with Uncle Don. Prayers and best wishes to all of you on this somber occasion.
Ken Nesbitt
Jodi Campbell says
A beautiful tribute to such an amazing lady. We will miss her and treasure the memories. Her resilience, strength, grace, kindness, wisdom, and generosity remain in all of you. With our deepest sympathy,
Jodi, Blair, Maeve, & Callum
Rob Tumm says
Mike, Inge and the Tumm family wish to extend our most deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Jean Moyer. We will forever hold our memories of Jean and her late husband Don close to our hearts.