Mary “Jean” Kelly (Pineau)

Jean Kelly, a resident of Pioneer Ridge, passed away peacefully the morning of March 1, 2017. She was born May 23, 1925 in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, the youngest of 6 children. In 1936 the family moved to Port Arthur where Jean met the love of her life, Richard Kelly. They married September 13, 1947, spending 64 wonderful, loving years together.

The family moved to Atikokan where Richard began his dental practice. They enjoyed a very full social life in Atikokan developing many close, life-long friendships. She was an excellent seamstress making many outfits for herself, her daughters and enjoyed knitting. The family have fond memories of many excellent, fun-filled Sunday dinners usually ending with fresh made pie for dessert.

In 1971, while Richard pursued his Dental Public Health Degree at the University of Toronto, they moved back to Thunder Bay where Jean re-established old friendships and had a great time skiing, walking, swimming, doing aerobics and playing canasta.

Jean was a member of the Atikokan Lionelles and an active member of the CWL for over 60 years. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary, and volunteered weekly at Bethammi Nursing Home.

After Richard’s passing in January 2012, Jean moved into Pioneer Ridge. Despite having Alzheimer’s she remained very happy with a great sense of humour. She was a delight to spend time with.

Jean is survived by her 4 children: Rick (Debbie), Betty Jo, Randy (Fran) and Colleen; 5 grandsons: Chris (Kim), and Kelly (Lisa) Campbell, Jeremy (Jennifer), Nathan and Adam Kelly; 8 great grandchildren: Hayden and Halle Jean Campbell, Keane and Kelty Campbell, Lily and Hannah Kelly, Caedon and Venora Kelly. She is also survived by in laws Barb and Dave Lawrence and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Annie (Bulger) and Joseph Pineau, her siblings Stanley (Jessie), Vivian (Harold Effnert), Larry (Marg), Lilian (Albert Biloski) and Joe (Eleanor).

Jean’s family would like to thank all the wonderful Pioneer Ridge staff (Nursing, Dr. D. Johnson, Nurse Practitioner Mary Jane, Recreation, Housekeeping and Dietary,) for being so kind and caring towards our mom.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in the Chapel of Sargent and Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Helping Hands – Pioneer Ridge or to the Alzheimer’s Society of Thunder Bay. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.

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