R. M. Jean Neal
1926-2012
It is with great sadness that the family announces the
passing, in her 86th year, of Robena Mary Jean
(Hamm) Neal of Rothesay, NB, wife of the late Douglas (Doug) Ronald
Neal of Saint John NB, which occurred on August 16, 2012 at
Bobby’s Hospice in Saint John NB. Born October 6, 1926, she
was the only child of the late Frank McLeod and Robena Mary (MacLaren)
Hamm.
Jean graduated from Saint John High School in 1943 and
subsequently attended business school. Prior to starting a
family, she worked with her father at F.M. Hamm Coal and Wood in West
Saint John. Jean was married June 12, 1948 and spent the following 36
years raising five children and supporting her husband Doug in his
business activities. With the exception of the period from 1665 to
1971, when she lived in Don Mills, ON, Jean lived with her family in
communities in the Saint John area.
Very important to Jean in her younger years were the summers
spent in St. Andrews, NB with her grandparents and family. In her
late teens and early 20’s she enjoyed her summers and loved
to swim at Epworth Park, with many who would become her life-long
friends. For the remainder of her life, her favourite place to be and
share with others was the summer cottage at Epworth Park. This
beautiful white home with its arched windows and expansive verandah
situated on the Saint John River holds fond memories for anyone lucky
enough to have spent time there. It is the family "summer
home" frequented by her children, grandchildren, great
grandchildren and friends.
Jean and in her latter years "Nana" always made
visits to the summer cottage very special, spoiling visitors with
attention. Even in her very last days, when unable to be there in
person, she explained exactly where the right toys for her visiting 18
month old great-grandson could be found.
"Nana" lived her life with a style and grace all
her own, blessed with a wonderful sense of humour and a love of
children, music, dancing, reading, and all things young. She
had a special way of dealing with people, whether they be shopkeepers,
teenagers, or lifelong friends. Her mark was left in many
places, and those who knew her will always be better for
it.
Jean is survived by four sons and one daughter; Brian
(Elizabeth Dallon) of Fredericton, NB, Frank (Diana Chuang) of
Toronto, ON, Gordon (Jacqueline Kaiser) of Halifax, NS, Robert (Dianne
Boucher) of Quispamsis, NB, Andree Neal Safford (Garry Safford) of
Rothesay, NB; 13 grandchildren, Jason Neal (Gemini AbouAssaly), Philip
Neal, Jessica Dallon (Matt LeBlanc), Emily Dallon (Greg Bates),
Jeffrey Neal, Douglas Neal, Gregory Neal (Meaghan Eye), Tyler Moar,
Steven Neal, Jillian Neal, David Neal (Susan Watters), Laura Jean Neal
(Jeff Gale-O’Hanley), Garrett Neal Safford; four great grand
children, Carter, Abigail, Lillyan, and Alexander; her former
daughters-in-law, Carmen Neal of Truro, NS, Diane Crosley of Saint
John, NB, Nora Mikkelsen of Lower Sackville, NS and Karen Young,
Halifax, NS with whom she remained in touch; as well as several
cousins.
The family would like to express their special thanks to the
New Brunswick Extra-mural Palliative Care staff and staff and
volunteers at Bobby’s Hospice for the care and compassion
she and the family received while she was in their
care.
In keeping with Jean’s wishes there will be no
visitation or funeral service. A private family committal service will
be held at the St. Andrews Rural Cemetery at a later date. For those
who wish, remembrances to Bobby’s Hospice, Saint John or any
charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the
family. Arrangements are under the care and direction of
Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint
John (634-7424).
Online condolences and remembrances may be placed at
www.BrenansFH.com.
Condolences
Garry and Andree,
Shari and I are so sorry to hear about Andree's mom. Our thoughts are with you at this difficlt time. We know you have an incredible amount of memories to draw from, and we know that will help you in the days and years to come. Andree, your mom was such a wondeful person, always with a smile and pleasure to be around. you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rick
— Rick and Sharyl
We were saddened to hear of Aunt Jean's passing last night. We remember with fondness the Christmas Eve's spent on First Avenue with the boys always enjoying Jean's Almond Finger cookies. The 'summer home' at the park was always an open door and the boys found it interesting to see the notches on the door casing each visit representing the height changes in each of the kids, grandkids and extended family. Although we are unable to be there with the family on Monday, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your during this time.
— Brian, Nadine, Christopher & Jonathan
Paul & I would like to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother. She was a very special lady. It was always a joy to see her at the beach --- she loved to swim. The world will not be the same without Mrs. Neal.
— Paul & Ethel Harrison
On behalf of the staff at Benjamin Moore, I would like to send our condolences on the loss of your mother. We all knew how dear she was to you. May God bless you at this difficult time.
— Meg Mulvany
SINCERE SYMPATHY
— Brian Barry
So sorry to hear about my cousin Jean. Even though we lived many miles apart, I thought of her often and the wonderful times I had when I visited her. These times are very difficult and please know that my family's thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Love you all
Joan MacLaren Hodsdon
— Joan MacLaren Hodsdon
Dear Andree, Gary and Garrett and all your family memebers. I am so sorry to hear of the passing away of your Mom Andree. I feel so blessed and honored to have met her, had great chats and always loved to make her laugh. My deepest sympathies and always here for you for ANYTHING! <3 Sue Hugs
— Sue carr
Andree - I want to express my sincere condolences to you, Garry and Garrett as well to all your siblings and their families for the recent loss of you mother. Your mother was a ray of sunshine. Whenever we met her greeting of a smile and a hug always made my heart feel a warmth just by being in her presence. She will be greatly missed however her spirit will always live on in her family and in all those, like myself, who were lucky to have met her and shared her warmth.
Take care as you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy
— Kathy Robinson
Bob and Diane.
Sorry to hear about your mother'passing.a very pleasant lady and a joy to serve her and laura.she surely will be missed buy all who knew her.
— 55 Robar ct
Our deepest sympathy to the family of our dearest and long time friend "Jean" Sadly missed but remembered always in our hearts. With Love. God Bless.
— Bernice ( McKillop ) & John Warner
I was saddened to read of the loss of your Mom. She was an elegant lady and it was a great privilege to have known her. Her joy of life was contagious and I couldn't help but smile and feel uplifted after stopping for a "chat" when I met her at a church function or out shopping. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
— Lynn Hawkins
I was so sad to hear about the loss of your sweet Mom. Please know that my thoughts are with you. I wish I could take the pain away...it's not an easy road. I am here if you ever want to talk! Hugs and kisses to all of you! xoxo
— Rosy Maloney
We were very sorry to hear of your loss. Jean certainly was a great lady who enjoyed a full and generous life. She has most certainly left a great legacy and will be remembered by all. Bob, you always spoke with such respect and endearance for your Mother. She's not far away...talk to her often.
Take good care...Louise and Kevin.
— Louise and Kevin Mackin
Thinking of you at this time. Hold tight to your memories.
— Gail (Skeldon) Hachey
Frank, we are deeply saddened to have learned of the loss of your mom "Jean".
Our hearts go out to you, Diana, the boys and your siblings as you work through the loss of someone so loved.
We read your moms obituary and she sounds like a remarkable woman who was committed to her family and community.
God be with you all and may he continue to bless your family
The Boafo Family
— Frank and Marcia Boafo
Dear Andree and Family,
Well, it is with a heavy heart we write to express our sadness at the loss of your wonderful mother, Jean. She was so special to us. We were indeed one of the 'shopkeepers' in the city with whom she has a special relationship. She, and by extension the family, were not 'just customers'. Phil enjoyed in particular the interesting conversations about life with Jean. Debbie and Becky enjoyed her style and humour, her great capes and hats and of course the fabulous jewellery! That kind of style and grace is so rare! We will miss her! And our thoughts are with you as you greive. Please be assured of our deep affection for you.
Yours truly,
Phillip and Debbie Losier
Rebekah hawrish
— Phillip and Debbie Losier, Rebekah Hawrish
I would like to offer my condolences to all of the family on behalf of the Hunter family. She was genuinely interested in what I had going on in my life. Unfortunately, she deserves a lot more praise then I can give but I do know how much she meant to you and I am so sorry for your loss.
-Samuel Hunter
— Samuel Hunter
Bob, Dianne & Family,
We are very sorry for your loss and thinking of you and your family during this time.
Andrew & Beth
— Andrew & Beth Campbell
Dear Andree
I am sorry to read the passing of your mother. You are going to miss her so much as I know how close you were to your mother. She was a lovely lady.I was one of those shop keepers where she left her mark.I enjoyed her visits to the shop as she was a delightful customer and friend.
Sincerely,
Kaye Doak, Your Candle Shop
— Kaye Doak
Your mom's passing is like the end of an era for those of us who grew up within the extended family of Epworth Park. Hamm was the first name and the last of that Golden Age. Our condolences to the Neal's.
— Bob Morgan & Joanne Chiasson
