Obituary for Jean Ann Connor (Murray)
Jean Ann Connor (nee Murray) of Fergus ON passed away peacefully at home, on December 3/20, aged 81.
Jean was predeceased in death by her devoted and loving husband, her best friend, Edward “Ted” J. Hawkins in 2017, as well as by her parents Pauline & Gregg Murray of Fergus and her brother Richard Murray of Guelph. Jean’s brother, Jon Murray, passed away in late March of 2021, just a little over 3 months after his sister’s death. Jean, Ted and “Brother Jon” shared a close supportive relationship, especially in the final years of their lives, living just blocks from each other in Fergus, until it was necessary for Jon to move to a nursing home. Jean and Ted enjoyed road trips throughout Ontario as well as the U.S. during their life together. They both had great pleasure in packing a bag and hitting the road. Jean’s love of the written word made her an avid reader, often losing herself in the latest thriller or biography.
Leaving to mourn Jean’s death with fond memories are Jean’s stepdaughter Lesli Schelling (nee Hawkins) and her husband Hank and their family of Thunder Bay ON, Jean’s “forever friend” and “son she never had” Shawn Bursey of St. John’s NL, as well as dear friends and caregivers Kim Lesperance of Fergus and Paloma von Fielitz of Elora. Sincere thanks extended to all Jean’s home-caregivers in recent years, as Jean’s health declined.
Jean, like her father Gregg, was a proud high school teacher. Jean’s teaching career of 35 years included having taught briefly in Quebec, and various communities throughout Ontario including Lion’s Head, Marathon and finally Terrace Bay, where she and Ted called home for several years, until Jean’s retirement, when they moved to beautiful Fergus.
As per Jean’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no funeral service was held. Inurnment to follow in Fergus, at a later date.
“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” ― Shannon Alder
Jean was predeceased in death by her devoted and loving husband, her best friend, Edward “Ted” J. Hawkins in 2017, as well as by her parents Pauline & Gregg Murray of Fergus and her brother Richard Murray of Guelph. Jean’s brother, Jon Murray, passed away in late March of 2021, just a little over 3 months after his sister’s death. Jean, Ted and “Brother Jon” shared a close supportive relationship, especially in the final years of their lives, living just blocks from each other in Fergus, until it was necessary for Jon to move to a nursing home. Jean and Ted enjoyed road trips throughout Ontario as well as the U.S. during their life together. They both had great pleasure in packing a bag and hitting the road. Jean’s love of the written word made her an avid reader, often losing herself in the latest thriller or biography.
Leaving to mourn Jean’s death with fond memories are Jean’s stepdaughter Lesli Schelling (nee Hawkins) and her husband Hank and their family of Thunder Bay ON, Jean’s “forever friend” and “son she never had” Shawn Bursey of St. John’s NL, as well as dear friends and caregivers Kim Lesperance of Fergus and Paloma von Fielitz of Elora. Sincere thanks extended to all Jean’s home-caregivers in recent years, as Jean’s health declined.
Jean, like her father Gregg, was a proud high school teacher. Jean’s teaching career of 35 years included having taught briefly in Quebec, and various communities throughout Ontario including Lion’s Head, Marathon and finally Terrace Bay, where she and Ted called home for several years, until Jean’s retirement, when they moved to beautiful Fergus.
As per Jean’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no funeral service was held. Inurnment to follow in Fergus, at a later date.
“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” ― Shannon Alder