For Jean, life began in Edmonton, AB. Jean met and married her high school sweetheart, Frederick Nicholas Chernoff, and was a mother to four children by age 23. She loved to cook and bake, her children still fondly recall the borscht and cinnamon buns she made. And while few things beat a freshly baked cinnamon bun, her children remember Jean for her big heart.
Like for many women of her generation, life was not always easy. Despite her many hardships, she kept her children together as they moved all over the country. She's lived in Vancouver, Whitehorse, Winnipeg and all the places in between. And no matter the city or town, Jean's sharp wit and generous spirit helped her make lifelong friends, like Mae & Gord Moir and Jean and Karol Kaminsky.
Jean adored animals and the fall colors and enjoyed travel. She's spent time in Australia, Europe and Eastern Canada, where her parents were born. And though she's traveled around the world, she couldn't stay away from Canada for too long. The country was not only her home, but where her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren lived. She was proud of every single one, treasuring every report card, every art project, every photo.
She spent her final years at the Tudor Manor Lodge where she continued to make friends. Beloved by staff and residents, she was awarded “Resident of the Year” and helped raise awareness for the need of a bus at the Manor. Even after eighty years of life, she remained true to the generous spirit that touched so many people in her life. She will be greatly missed by everybody honored to call her friend or family.
Jean is survived by her children and their families. She leaves behind her son Raymond and wife Deanna - daughters Michah & Amanda as well as Ray's children with his first wife Susan - Kane and Amanda. Christine and her husband Kim - children Graeme, Jocelyn and her husband Jay, Meagan and her husband Alan - children, Eleanor and Penelope. David and his wife Beth- children Sarah, Peter, Denis and John. Randy and his wife Vicky - children John, Matthew and his wife Ofelia, Brandon, Jennifer. Randy's children with his first wife, Leanne - Carly - her son Devlin, David Paul (predeceased). Angel and her children. Jean is also survived by her brother George Hignell, his wife Ann and all their children and Grandchildren.
Jean was predeceased by her mother, Mary Catherine (Katie) and her father, George Edison Hignell, and her husband of many years, Frederick Nicholas Chernoff.
In lieu of flowers, Jean wishes people donate to the Heart & Stroke foundation in her memory.
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