Obituary of Jean Victoria Tootell

Tootell, Jean Victoria -
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Jean Victoria Tootell (Reid) (Madigan) (nee Swayze) on July 15th, 2017 at the age of 102. Jean’s loving family shared her last moments in Stoney Creek Ontario. Born on July 1st, 1915, Jean was the cherished daughter of Laura Jane Myrtle Swayze (nee Claus) and Norval Fletcher Swayze. The third female born of eight children, Jean was the last surviving sibling of her family. Predeceased by sisters Ola Dorothy Eugenia Lloyd (2006), Ina May Swayze (1936), Mary Myrtle Hopcraft (2013), brothers Joseph Ira Swayze (2004), Charles Henry Swayze (1993), Neil Albert Swayze (2000) and her last remaining sister, Laura Doris Bagley (2014). Jeans’ early years were spent enjoying life on the Swayze family farm in the Pelham, Ontario. This farm is now the Short Hills Provincial Park. The Swayze Falls that is still on the property was named after the generations of Swayzes' who lived there. While residing in St Catharines, Jean met and married her first husband Ross Archibald Reid. She later gave birth to their two precious children Allan Ross Reid and Gwendolyn Bailey (nee Reid). Although starting their married life in Jordan Station, Jean and Ross eventually settled their family in St. Catharines, where Jean developed into an amazing wife and mother. She tenderly looked after Ross in his final years which ended in 1969. The next stage of Jean’s life began with her marriage to Joseph William Madigan. The couple enjoyed a beautiful retirement together until Joseph’s passing in March of 1981. The two had made the most of the limited number of years they had together, and when Joseph’s time drew near Jean lovingy cared for Joseph. Starting another phase of her life Jean married Clarence Tootell, also from the St Catharines area. After Clarence passed away in 2007 Jean stayed in St Catharines until 2009 when she moved to Stoney Creek to live with her granddaughter Suzanne Bailey, who shared her life and her home with this wise and gentle spirit. Suzanne and Jean spent many memorable moments together, Jean imparting her wealth of accumulated knowledge and stories of family history over the years, and Suzanne lovingly nursing her grandmother through to her final moments. Jean was the proud mother of Allan and Gwen, grandmother to Peter (Leanne) and Micheal Reid, Eddie Bailey (Brenda), Jackie Adams (Terry), Suzanne Bailey (Leo Turenne) and Michael Bailey (Cheryl) , and great grandmother to several great grandchildren. According to Jeans’ wishes, cremation has already taken place. Jean was an incredible inspiration to many and will be greatly missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing her and her spirited personality.