Obituary of Jean McCracken
It is with heavy hearts and much sadness that the family of Jean McCracken share the news of her recent passing on Tuesday, April 13th, 2021 at the age of 91. She passed away peacefully at Riverview Gardens with family at her bedside.
Jean is predeceased by her beloved husband of 70 years, Les, who passed away in January. She is also predeceased by son Jeffrey (2016) and daughters-in-law Karen (2010) and Kathy (2018). She is survived by her daughter Lynda Webb (Wade) and sons David and Martin. Jean was an amazing and loving grandmother to 10 grandchildren and will be greatly missed by Steven Paterack (Helen), Ryan McCracken (Jessica), Greg Paterack (Melanie), Kelly White (Troy), Jennifer Webb (Paul), Jeffrey Webb, Lindsay Brecka (Derrick), Laura McCracken, Meghan McCracken and Brendan McCracken. She was the proud great-grandmother of Annabella, Reegan, Sofia, Jacob, Gavin, Phaedra, Olivia, Wesley, Lexxie and Maverick. We were blessed to have had her in our lives.
Jean was born May 29th, 1929 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In 1957 she and Les immigrated to Canada with their 3 children. She taught us her beloved Irish traditions and we all know about the fairies, the leprechauns and Irish soda bread. She ensured we always kept in touch with family we left back in Ireland, because family was the most important thing in her life. Later when her children were grown she worked for the Chatham Board of Education and moved on to be secretary of Winston Churchill Public School where she loved being part of so many children’s lives. She had many interests and enjoyed baking, painting, acting, gardening, camping, knitting, playing piano and yes, photography, but most of all spending time with her grandchildren and friends. She was an active member of St. James Presbyterian Church, the May Court Club, the Chatham Camera Club, and the Kids On The Block program.
Cremation has taken place. Due to the present COVID-19 restrictions, a Family Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Donations in Jean's memory may be made to the May Court Club of Chatham (Emergency Lunch Box Program). Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.
McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham (519-351-2040)
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