In keeping with one of Jean’s favourite poems, Footprints in the Sand by Margaret Fishback Powers, there’s now only one set of footprints since Jean is now being carried by her Lord.
In April 1979, Jean joined our IAAP Horseshoe Falls Chapter and many lasting friendships have continued during that forty year time-span. Again last August, several of us helped Jean to celebrate her 89th birthday with a glass of wine and butterflies to decorate the event.
At our Chapter level, Jean served two terms as President of Horseshoe Falls Chapter, from 1985 to 1987. From 1996 to 1998, she accepted the appointment of International Building Fund Ambassador for Ontario, and in recognition of her accomplishments in this position, she was presented with the Ontario Division Building Fund Ambassador Award. And from 1998 to 1999, Jean served IAAP’s Ontario Division as Membership Chair to assist the Chapters with their member recruitment efforts.
Jean was an active participant in all of our Chapter activities—both professional events and leisure activities within the community. She dressed the part perfectly for each of our themes in the Cancer Relay for Life—we remember that pink boa and fancy cigarette holder in her left hand, from our 2009 “Hollywood Hotties” theme.
While there are no pictures from “out on the course,” Jean was also part of our informal golfing group for several years. One of the remembrances that comes to mind from very early in her “golfing career,” was upon arrival at the course one evening when Jean was delighted to show us her latest “improvement to the golf balls”...she had spray painted them a dark green colour! When she discovered it wasn’t all that easy to find them in the green grass, she soon remedied that by re-sprayed them all silver! That worked for her, as silver was one of her favourite colours, and we all had a little chuckle together.
We miss you Jean, but we know you’ve had a huge struggle during the past few years. While you’ve never complained and always had a smile on your face, we know you’re now relaxing with your glass of wine and enjoying the colourful butterflies around you. Keep smiling!
Pat Taylor
