JEANETTE LEA MILLIKEN
(MICKELSON)
(nee KEENA)
It is with great
sadness our family wishes to announce the passing of our loving and dear wife,
mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend Jeannette, who passed peacefully on
Friday, December 28, 2012 at the age of 93 years, at Beacon Hill Lodge
where she has resided for the past 3 years.
Mom will be lovingly
remembered by her husband Bill Milliken; children Gord, Rick (Barb), Janice,
and Ron; Bill’s children, Skip, (Liz), and Rick, (Donna); as well as by 14
grandchildren, Les, Mark, Jodi, Kristen, Lindsey, Dayna, Ryan, Kailly, Macy,
Michael, Graham, Hayley, Brent and Sean; eight great grandchildren; and niece
Joyce (Eldon) Hearn. She was predeceased by her husband and father of her
children Leonard Edward Mickelson in 1975, dad was 62 years.
On July 6, 1919 Mom
was born in Union Point, Manitoba to Emilienne (Berthelette) and Norman Keena. She
was a hairdresser at the Hudson Bay prior to marrying and having children. As
we were growing up Mom continued as a hairdresser at home for family and
friends. She was an active member of the community and enjoyed volunteering at
Isaac Brock Community Club for many years; HSC Rehab Centre in the gift shop
and lastly at the gift kiosk at Cancer Care until 2007. She was a
remarkable woman who filled the room with her infectious personality. Mom had a
warm heart for anyone who needed her love and attention. She formed many
lifetime friendships and over the years enjoyed many interests including
gardening, decorating, playing bridge, sewing, knitting, painting, walking,
dancing and entertaining, and spending time at the cottage and going fishing.
She loved to spend time with her grandchildren. She was an independent and
strong woman, always giving of herself to others.
After Dad passed in
1975, Mom went back to school at the age of 56, graduating as a licensed
hairdresser and becoming the sole proprietor of three hairdressing
establishments from which she retired at the age of 69.
When
Mom met Bill, romance followed and they were married on July 10, 1981. They had
a wonderful and loving life together. They travelled in North America, Spain,
Portugal, London, Paris, Venezuela and Florida. Mom and Bill owned their own
home in Florida and for 10 years spent the winter months there and spent many
wonderful summers at their Northwestern Ontario cabin. They both loved dancing
and went to many jazz festivals in Canada and the States. In Bill's words
" Jeanette, you and I have had a wonderful life together. You have my
everlasting love. Goodbye sweetheart, you will be missed."
Mom
battled Alzheimer’s with the utmost dignity. This disease never diminished her
spirit, her sense of humor and her loving kindness toward others. Over the past
three years Mom and I spent many hours together increasing the already strong
bond we had known over the years. The last week of her life was a struggle and
Bill and I spent as much time with her as we were able to; providing the love
and comfort she needed in preparation for her passing. My love and special
thanks to my daughter Jodi for providing me with the support I needed during
this time.
Mom, you have been my inspiration, I thank
God the Creator for you; we will always be together. Lovingly, Janice
In compliance with
Mom’s wishes a private Service for close family will be held.
Our love and deep
gratitude to those at Beacon Hill Lodge for their compassion and care shown to
Mom over the last three years and for respecting her dignity and comfort; there
are so many of you; we will always remember you. Mom had a very special place
in the hearts of Hazel and Darlene. Bless you.
Richard Wojcik, Funeral Director of
Wojcik’s Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, is in care of arrangements 204 – 586
– 8668.
When I am gone,
release me, let me go
I have so many things
to see and do,
You mustn’t tie
yourself to me with tears;
Be happy that we had
so many years
I gave to you my
love, you can only guess
How much you gave to
me in happiness.
I thank you for all
the love you each have shown,
But now it’s time I
travelled on alone.
So grieve for a while
for me if grieve you must;
Then let your grief
be comforted by trust,
It’s only for a while
that we must part,
So bless the memories
within your heart.
I won’t be far away,
for life goes on;
So if you need me,
call and I will come.
Though you can’t see
me or touch me, I’ll be near
And if you listen
with your heart, you’ll hear
All of my love around
you soft and clear.
And then when you
must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a
smile and say “Welcome home”.
-Author Unknown
Wojcik’s
FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
1020 MAIN STREET
204 - 586 - 8668
www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
