Jean (Tonge) Deutschman

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother Jean Vivienne Deutschman (née Tonge), age 92. She died peacefully with family members by her side.

Jean was born in Manchester England where she acquired her lifelong passion for the arts, music and theatre and met her husband John Deutschman.

While starting their young family they emigrated to Canada, settling in Arvida, Quebec, where John was employed by Alcan. It did not take long for Jean to seek outlets for her creativity, taking on lead roles in many local theater productions, directing high school plays and performing singing gigs on television while taking on the role of chief editor for the English section of the Alcan newspaper, the “Lingot”.

When Halloween came around Jean always made sure that her children (Yvonne, Paul and Anthony) took 1st prize in the annual costume competitions!

Jean had a restless spirit that Arvida could not contain. She egged John on to get overseas postings- first to Banbury in England where she studied theater in London and later to Mandeville, Jamaica where she taught school in a small underfunded school. Her presence and sense of theatre had an instant and unforgettable impact on her students. It was a most fulfilling time for Jean.

Later when posted in Kingston, Ontario, Jean enthusiastically participated in Domino Theatre productions- often playing the lead role, always to rave reviews. She also hosted the television program “Seniorscope” - another outlet for her creativity, showing she was as comfortable in front of the camera as she was on stage.

At the age of 60 she graduated from Queens University, beloved by all her fellow students and went on to teach at local schools for another ten years. She never stopped living and giving!

Throughout her life, Jean had an unwavering dedication to her children and grandchildren (Alexandra and Erica), always stressing the importance of creativity and humour. We all remain astonished and hugely proud at the range of her talents and accomplishments.

We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the staff at St. Margaret residence in Westmount for the compassion and dedication they showed Jean.

A celebration of Jean’s life will take place in the spring at the Dignité funeral home, 4525 Côte-des-Neiges in Montreal on Saturday afternoon, April 29 at 3PM.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Alzheimer Society of Canada (alzheimer.ca)