Obituary of Jean Thorne

In the presence of her daughters and with the thoughts of her son’s in law, grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous friends, Jean Thorne completed this chapter of her journey. Jean was predeceased by her husband David, with whom she would have celebrated their 65th anniversary this summer. The marriage of Jean and David was a model for a long, enduring partnership. Jean’s legacy continues through her daughters and family; Susan Thorne-McCaffrey with husband Bryan McCaffrey, with their children Samantha, Shannon, Alex with Amber; Sally Thorne with husband Paul Dorian, with their children Jennifer and her husband Darrin, Katie and David and great grandchildren Owen and Olivia; Sara Thorne-Van Damme with husband Paul Van Damme, with their children Jane, Jill and Jack; Sheri Thorne-Hall with husband Scott Hall, with their children Jamie and Matthew; Sheila Lynch with husband Paul Lynch, with their children Abigael and Isabel. And Tuffy. Jean and David started their family together in England. They emigrated to Canada in 1957 with two children, making Ontario their home, adding three more children. Through the years they called many places home, including Waterloo, Beaverton, Fergus, Brampton, Rochester, MI., Lexington, KY, Holland, MI, Cleveland, OH, and Marco Island, FL. returning to Waterloo to finally retire. They forged long lasting friendships wherever they called home. Jean would comment that as immigrants, you leave your family behind, so you need to create a new family with those that are now in your life. After graduating from college in Home Economics, Jean was a Matron at Queensgate Girl’s Boarding School in Kensington, London until her marriage to David. Jean and David raised five unique daughters. “It would be boring if they were all the same” she would say. While unique, they all share Jean’s values of independence, strength of family and the importance of caring for those who enter your life. Those values have been passed to the next generation. Jean was an avid tennis player. She was a founding member of the Fergus Tennis Club and teacher of the game. She followed the Wimbledon tournament annually, providing her own expert commentary on the match of the day and state of the game. She was a member of the Women’s Hospital Auxiliary with Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus. She volunteered with the Red Cross, Region of Waterloo Swim Club, and the Fergus Cancer Society. Christmas was Jean’s favourite time of the year. She kept the festive season with great enthusiasm. She was a gracious hostess to seasonal festivities that included raucous New Year’s Eve parties and Christmas tree burning celebrations. Her home was always decorated in a fashion to help celebrate the season and make those who journeyed to join them feel welcome. From a very young age, the children and grandchildren knew where the Smarties were hidden. As adults, they learned where the wine was kept. Resilience was the cornerstone of Jean’s personality. Regardless of what life threw her way, be it moving to a new country, living in 20 different homes, physical difficulties, death of her spouse, she put one foot in front of the other and kept going. Jean spent four years residing in the Sunshine Centre at Luther Village where she received expert assistance and care. She spent the past year in University Gates long-term care. She forged a very strong bond with the caring people who entered her life. She had a special, unique greeting for those who came to assist her. The love was mutual. The entire family wish to thank everyone at University Gates who made Jean’s life and passing more comfortable. The family appreciates the unique gifts of the people involved in Jean’s life and ask that, in memory of Jean, a donation to the Research Institute for Aging (WWW.The-RIA.CA)would be appreciated to enable this experience for others. Condolences for the family and donations can be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home 171 King St., S., Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445. Cremation has taken place. There will be a private family memorial service at a later date. While we may miss her day-to-day, she will live on with us in our memories for many years to come. And in the end The love you take Is equal to the love you make -John Lennon, Paul McCartney