Born at home in Little Bras d’Or, October 25, 1930, Jean was the daughter of the late Lowery and Kathleen (Chisholm) Young. She was a devout Catholic, a woman who lived her faith every day and loved to attend Mass; she was a long-time member of St. Agnes Church in Halifax.
Jean will be greatly missed by her brothers Roy (Eileen), Georges River, and John (Rosaire), North Sydney, and many nieces and nephews who simply adored her. She was so proud of them and their children. She will also be missed by lifelong friend Mary Viva—she loved sharing meals and laughs at her home whenever she came to Cape Breton. Her dear circle of friends in Halifax, Paulette MacPhail, Eda Elliot, and Jane Brown, were a huge part of Jean’s life and they shared so many wonderful adventures together. She had great affection for Dr. A. J. (Ajantha Jayabarathan) and so appreciated her excellent care over the years, not only as her physician but as a cherished friend.
Besides her parents, Jean was predeceased by her husband Weldon (Rex) Settle, brothers George, Lawrence (Janet), and Dave, all of St. Catharines, Ontario, and Jimmy (Julia), North Sydney, and Alec, Bras d’Or.
Jean was educated in a one room school in Little Bras d’Or. She graduated from Normal College in Truro in 1951 fulfilling her dream of becoming a teacher. She returned to teach in Bras d’Or for a short time before moving to Halifax. Her career spanned 35 years, all at St. Agnes Elementary teaching primary and grade one. Not only a teacher, Jean loved to learn. She took many education courses and raised her license from a TC2 to a TC7!
Jean was a born teacher; she truly loved every minute of it. She showered her little students with love, compassion, and gentle patience. They felt safe and valued. No wonder they loved her! Her joyous spirit, generosity, and positive outlook inspired both students and staff.
Jean met and married Rex, the love of her life, and they shared many happy years together until his sudden death in 1999. They enjoyed a very active social life with many good friends. They loved going to the casino and garden parties, were passionate hockey fans (Mooseheads), frequently visited the legislature to observe nephew Brian in action, attended dances and balls, loved boating and relaxing at their cottage in Lower Sackville, travelling to Florida, and, of course, entertaining family and friends.
Their home welcomed relatives from Cape Breton on a regular basis. Never too often, never too many. The young nephews and nieces had the time of their lives creating Shirley Temples (cherries and umbrellas essential) at the “bar,” dressing up in crazy hats and outfits for play-acting, being relentlessly teased by Rex’s antics, and of course consuming mountains of delicious food and legendary desserts. There was no end to the laughter and fun!
We’ve never seen Aunt Jean angry or stressed. She had the sweetest nature, always gentle, kind and supportive. Her humour and happiness were infectious and magnetic. And the lady had style. She always looked her best, dressed to the nines, bedecked with her signature chunky eye-catching jewelry and gorgeous hair! She was a truly beautiful soul, inside and out.
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