Jean Marie Driedger

An amazing person left this world peacefully, at the age of 87. ‘Jeanie’ to many of her Ottawa friends, led an adventurous life, filled with exciting and wonderful events. A strong-willed, kind hearted individual, Jean made friends easily. Expressing interest in and doing something nice for another person gave her joy. “There was not a mean bone in her body”.

Jean is predeceased by her father, John Dexter, mother, Frances Dexter (nee Lawrence), and sister Patricia Durant (nee Dexter). She is survived by her loving husband, Guent Driedger, stepsons Arthur Driedger (wife Heather), Brent Driedger (wife Allana), and adoring grandchildren Darion, Brodin, Tess, Kendra.

Born in Ottawa Civic Hospital, Jean was a happy child, growing up at ‘Stony Steps Farm’ on the banks of the Rideau River in Burritts Rapids, Ontario. Achieving the Outstanding Girl Athlete award at South Carleton High School for 1954-55 year, was a sign of more to come. Miss Kemptville, runner up for Miss Ottawa Roughrider, and active member of the Orpheus Theatre Group, led to becoming a singer, where her claim to fame was winning a local talent contest, defeating an up-and-coming 15-year-old singer by the name of Paul Anka.

Jean’s first marriage to Gordon Allingham ended in divorce in 1970, after 4 years. During that time Jean graduated from Ontario Teachers College to begin her career as a teacher in the Primary School panel of the Ottawa Board of Education. As Jean Allingham, she taught at various schools and was active with the Women’s Teacher Association of Ottawa, where she became President. Through summer and night school classes, Jean achieved a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Carleton University in 1974. Then she taught Special Education, which became her lifelong passion. In 1981 she graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Ottawa. This led her to become a Vice Principal. As a highly respected educator, and several postings, she retired from York Street Public School in June 1994.

After years of independence and living alone, Jean was convinced that her life would continue along the same path. However, life is always full of surprises. Along came Guent Driedger. When they married in July,1980, Jean became an instant mother to two adolescent boys (Arthur & Brent). After helping to raise the boys through their turbulent teenage years, Jean and Guent became ‘empty nesters’ in 1990.

Now more adventures began. Jean certified as a PADI Open Water Diver. Diving holidays included the Caribbean, Mexico, Fiji, Hawaii, and Great Barrier Reef of Australia, with 167 logged dives to her credit. First, a winter spent in Key Largo, where diving, fishing, canoeing, and entertaining Canadian friends made the time flash by. A car trip to Mexico with stops in Arizona and Belize followed the next winter. Winters in Barra de Navidad, Mexico, House exchanges in Australia and Germany filled the next five years. After moving to Surrey, BC (the Canadian Riviera) in 1999, Jean returned to teaching Special Education for three years before finally ending her teaching career. The discovery of ‘Cruising’ changed the holiday experience, yet again. With multiple cruises around the globe, Jean and Guent made many friends, who keep in contact to this date. Tent camping to the Arctic Ocean via the Dempster Highway, and Newfoundland, they experienced the natural wonders (blackflies, mosquitoes included) and vastness of Canada, our homeland.

Then came COVID. Our social activities ended, as did Jean’s health. Multiple debilitating health issues, along with a diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s Disease ended with Jean in hospital suffering intolerably. She applied for MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) and was accepted as a Track One candidate, which allowed her to end her life the way she had always lived: “She did it her way”. We thank the staff of Fraser Health MAiD Centre and Surrey Memorial Hospital whose professionalism and caring gave Jean a peaceful ending with dignity.

There will be no service. Jean’s cremated ashes will be spread in Lightning Lake in Manning Provincial Park by immediate family members. Anyone wishing closure and to pay respects, can visit Guent at home or contact him via phone/text/Facetime/WhatsApp/email.

Phone/text/Facetime/WhatsApp: (604)839-3600

Email: [email protected]