24-Oct-1939 - 26-Aug-2023
It is with great sadness that the family of Jean Brienesse (nee Brown) announce her passing on August 26, 2023. Known by many names: Jean, Jeannie, Mum, Mummy, Auntie Jean, Nan, and Great Nanny. Jean was in her 84th year.
Jean is predeceased by her soul mate Wim Brienesse (April 2010), her son Mark Lalonde, her brothers Robert Brown and Peter Brown (her twin) and her parents Henry “Harry” and Violet "Vi” Brown. Jean is survived by her first husband Bill Lalonde (Carole). She is survived by her sons Todd Lalonde (Marlie) and Matthew Lalonde and stepchildren Tammy Brienesse (Keith Secord), Tim Brienesse (Karen Kai) and Tobi Brienesse (Dave Chambers).
Beloved Nanny to Karlin Lalonde (Shawn Cote) and Ryan Lalonde who spent hours playing cards with his Nan. Great Nanny to Avery and Wesley Cote. Nanny to Parker Lalonde, Danielle Lalonde and Ben Lalonde. Special Nan to Alyssa Zilney (David Schuurman) and Jess Capeling (Noah Capeling).
Her special friend Jim Lediard took her for trips to the Casino and out for many meals which she immensely enjoyed.
Jean led a very busy life. She worked at the Dominion Grocery Store as a meat wrapper. She enjoyed the people she worked with and we are told she was a fun co-worker. At some point, Jean met Wim at a singles dance and they were never apart again.
Wim and Jean ran a farm with cows, horses, chickens, pigs, cats and always a dog. All the children who visited or lived on the farm enjoyed heading out to the barn to see what was happening.
While running the farm, they also bought the Coldwater Bowling Alley. Wim renovated the Alley with Jean following along and doing the painting and clean up. Having a birthday party at the Bowling Alley was a very fun event with the open snack bar.
They decided to sell the farm and the bowling alley and bought a big RV and travelled around the USA and Canada. They spent the winters in Todd and Marlie's driveway at the farm. Jean was in her element. Cooking and cleaning in the house and having visits with their children and grandchildren. Lots of delicious meals were prepared by Jean at the farm.
Their next step was to build a house in Waubashene. At the same time, Todd had bought an office building which needed some renovations. Of course, Wim and Jean offered to help with this process.
Jean set up a little kitchen in one of the units and prepared a lunch every day for those that were there that day. She was the official painter in charge. Often Todd would walk into a room and would see three squares of different colours of paint for comparison. Not with just one coat on them but three just to make sure the colours were correct. That was our Jean. Get it right. Our office is a legacy to both Wim and Jean's hard work. It is beautiful.
Unfortunately, just as they were finishing their house and the office, Wim got sick and did not survive from lung cancer. We didn't want Jean living on her own so she moved in with Todd and Marlie.
Jean was a very spunky lady. She spoke her mind as she saw things. Playing cards was a favorite activity of hers. At one point she was playing 5 days a week and sometimes in the evening.
Jean loved her family and was always more than happy to see them. She knew each and everyone's wants and needs. Goodbyes at the door took forever with Jean being the centre of the attention with much laughter and silly sayings that would be repeated at the next goodbye.
Although Jean struggled with lung and heart issues for the last several years, she always enjoyed visits from family and friends. She will be sorely missed but also remembered with much love.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
