Obituary of Jean Mary Northey
NORTHEY; Jean Mary (nee Nicholas)
With sadness but wonderful memories and much love, we announce the passing of Jean Mary Northey in her 95th year on Friday July 26th, 2019. Jean had lived an incredibly full and happy life, thriving in her roles as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt. She was a distinguished World War II veteran, serving in the British WRNS and a lifelong member of the Anglican church.
Born in 1924 in Tolworth, England to Fred and Nellie Nicholas, Jean was the third child and sister to Doris, Leslie and Doreen.
Jean met the love of her life, Carl Northey when Carl, a dashing young Canadian soldier was stationed in England. While not technically a war bride, as Jean liked to make clear, she married Carl in October 1946 and immediately relocated to Canada where they began their life in Lakehurst, Ontario taking over the family farm. Jean and Carl spent the next two decades working side by side on the farm and raising eight children. Jean’s true calling as a nurturing and selfless caregiver was clear through some challenging years for the family, always providing a loving, warm home for all. Carl and Jean enjoyed a number of years of retirement spending time travelling overseas, across Canada and relaxing on the Kawartha waterways in their beloved houseboat. Carl passed away much too early at age 65, and Jean lost her youngest son, Geoffrey, in the same year.
A strong and determined woman, Jean never let any of life’s challenges stop her. She always kept a stiff upper lip and a sense of humour, and continued to be the family matriarch for many more years. Well into her 80’s, Jean continued to drive her own car, manage her own household and was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Anglican church and the Buckhorn Community craft society. Jean was a master of the arts of knitting, crocheting, embroidery and any needlework or craft she encountered. As well, her horticultural skills were evidenced by her ever-blooming gardens and all the gardens of her children and grandchildren who received ongoing gardening advice.
Jean is survived by her children Mary Myers (Carl, deceased), Roger (Joanne), Evelyn Abate (Phil), Fred (Marie), Gary (Marilyn), Wendy and Doreen. She leaves 12 loving grandchildren, and was a doting Nana-Jean to 26 great-grandchildren. She was loved and will be missed by her niece Diana (Brian) and nephew Martin.
Special thanks to her loving caregiver, Christi, for making Jean’s final months comfortable and uplifting.
Friends and family will be received at THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, LAKEFIELD CHAPEL, 66 Queen St. Lakefield, on Tuesday July 30, 2019 from 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 PM, Royal Canadian Legion Service, 6:45 PM. Funeral service will be held at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Buckhorn, on Wednesday July 31, at 11:00 AM. Interment Sandy Lake Cemetery. Reception to follow at Lakehurst Hall. If desired, memorial donations may be made to either Epilepsy Canada or Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough by visiting www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-652-3355.
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