Jean Elizabeth Macpherson

Jean Elizabeth Macpherson, 82, died on April 1 after a short battle with lung cancer. She was the younger daughter of the late Frederick and Gladys McPherson. Born and raised in Bridgewater, Jean also lived in Ottawa and Halifax for many years. She graduated from Dalhousie University in 1957 with a B.Sc. and while studying, also worked as a biology instructor. Jean entered the workforce as a lab technician at the National Research Council but soon realized her interests were elsewhere and began her many years with the federal government after successfully applying for the Canadawide Junior Executive Officer Competition. Her first position was with the Department of Northern Affairs and Natural Resources. From there she moved to the position of Parliamentary Relations Secretariat, a position she held from 1965-1983. She developed consultation links with secretariats of international parliamentary organizations, Canadian and foreign legislatures, diplomatic missions and a wide range of government and private sector contacts. Responsibilities included enhancing Canada’s role in interparliamentary associations, planning and executing parliamentary exchange visits and expediting the work plan of parliamentary committees. Jean later became Committee Clerk of the Special Committee on the Reform of the House of Commons; Joint Clerk of the Special Joint Committee on Canada’s

International Relations; and acting Secretariat of the Board of Internal

Economy where she managed budgets. Jean co-ordinated and oversaw many domestic and international activity programs for parliamentary associations which included the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, InterParliamentary Union, Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association and the North Atlantic Assembly. In 1989 Jean left Ottawa and was named Commissioner of the Immigration and Refugee Board in Halifax until her retirement in 1996. Jean was active in sports, competing in tennis, volleyball, ground hockey and basketball at both the high school and varsity level, but her true love was tennis. Growing up a block from the tennis courts in Bridgewater, Jean was an active and accomplished tennis player. She competed competitively at the junior level and was a member of the Nova Scotia team, competing at national championships from age 12 to 18. Off the court, in later years, she enjoyed the game at the highest level, attending Wimbledon, the French Open and the US Open on many occasions.

In recent years, she channeled her love of tennis into the vision of creating a world class Tennis Training Centre in Nova Scotia. It was her dream that all Nova Scotians be provided access and opportunities to learn and play the game that gave her so much joy. Jean's passion and generous support has been a driving force that will ensure that the Atlantic Tennis Centre will begin construction in 2018/19.

In retirement Jean became involved with the Nova Scotia Art Gallery through fundraising and particularly enjoyed the Art Study Group of which she was a devoted member. She participated in charity work through Zonta International and actively contributed to projects closer to home, enhancing the community through fundraising or hands-on assistance. She loved to travel and particularly enjoyed river cruises which she frequently took with her dear friend, Ellen Pearson. Jean was a devoted and much loved aunt to her four nieces and many great- and great-great nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her brother-in-law A. William (Bill) Cox, Halifax. She is survived by her sister Margaret Cox, Halifax, nieces Jan (Tom) Houston, Ottawa, Peggy (Gary) Pierce, Lawencetown, Ann (Darren) Booth, Wolfville, Sue (Doug) Roberts, Port Williams and 6 great nieces, 8 great nephews, 5 great-great nieces and 5 great-great nephews.

Many thanks are extended to the caring and attentive medical staff at the QEII Health Centre, especially the nurses on 8.3 and Drs. McSwain and Hewitt. Jean was also so appreciative of the love and compassion shown by her many dear friends. A celebration of Jeannie’s life will be held at Cruikshank’s Halifax Funeral Home on Sunday, April 8 at 2 p.m. Interment to follow at a later date.

Donations may be made to Tennis Canada for the development of the Atlantic

Tennis Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia by contacting Tulla Bateman at Tennis Canada at [email protected] or 416-650-7918; or a charity of your choice.