Obituary of Jessie Evelyn Hetherington

Hetherington, Jessie Evelyn - On June 16, 2022, Jessie Evelyn Hetherington, survived by her loving husband and best friend Edgar Rogalski, daughters Jeannette (Keith) deMontfort, Suzanne Muir (Nahed AlMayah), step-children Don Rogalski (Toni Kuo), Jonathan Rogalski (Sue), Yvonne Rogalski (Ted Bowman). Special grandmother of Nathan deMontfort, Zayd, Haytham, Ruqaya Nawaz and ZoeRae Rogalski. Also survived by her sister-in-law Margaret Hetherington, niece and nephews, Julie, Jamie, David, Mark and Jonathan Hetherington. Predeceased by her parents, George and Evelyn Hetherington, brothers Murray and Robert, sister-in-law Ruth and former husband Donald Muir.

Jessie was born in Fenelon Falls, Ontario on January 13, 1942 and spent her childhood and teenage years on the farm, teaching swimming and working at the corner store. Jessie was an outstanding student and was an Ontario Scholar as well as Valedictorian of her graduating class at Fenelon Falls High School. Jessie was awarded a scholarship to Victoria College, University of Toronto, and resided at Annesley Hall, where she earned her Hons. BA in English and French and made many lifelong friends. After graduating from Teachers College at OISE, Jessie taught high school English, French and ESL with her longest tenure at Streetsville Secondary School where she made many friends and positively impacted many young peoples’ lives.

In her younger years, Jessie spent summers at the cottage on Eel’s Lake with her daughters, former husband Don, friends and family. Jessie cherished the many happy and special memories that were made in this wonderful place.

Jessie’s love of music saw her as a soloist and choir member in community choirs across Ontario. Throughout her life she was involved in music ministry, most recently at Hamilton Mennonite Church. She was part of Hope Rising, a music group dedicated to restorative justice for ex-prisoners. “Singing with Jessie” was a monthly event for Seniors at the Welcome Inn. Jessie was also actively involved in the refugee sponsorship program at Hamilton Mennonite Church.

Jessie and Edgar were married over 20 years. They shared a common faith in God’s love for all and shared that love with their blended family and some of the most vulnerable members of their community. They hosted many family events and enjoyed traveling in Canada, the U.S., Europe and the Caribbean. Vacationing in Jessie's beloved Fenelon Falls gave her the joy of connecting with her roots and extended family.

The family would like to extend special thanks for the excellent care given to Jessie by St. Joseph’s Home Care nurses and the team at Satellite Health Care. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Leda Lagrotteria for her special care for Jessie during her long illness.

Donations in memory of Jessie can be made to the Welcome Inn Community Centre or a charity of your choice.

Cremation has taken place.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday June 22, 2022 at Hamilton Mennonite Church, 143 Lower Horning Rd., Hamilton, from 6:30 – 8:30pm and from 10 – 11am on Thursday June 23 with the memorial service starting at 11am.  The memorial service will be livestreamed.  To view the livestream please click this link - Livestream Jessie Hetherington