Obituary of Jean Elizabeth MACDONNELL (nee Brison)

December 16, 1918 – Montague, Halifax, Nova Scotia   
December 19, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

Jean MacDonnell was born on December 16, 1918 in Montaque Mines (Halifax), Nova Scotia and died on December 19, 2019 at 101 years of age, in Calgary, Alberta.

In 1927 Jean moved with her family to Falconbridge, near Sudbury, ON. After finishing high school, she met and married Angus MacDonnell. They had two children, Rosalie and Lorna (Doonie). They lived in Timmins until 1946 and then moved to Sudbury.

During Jean’s lifetime she graduated from Business College in 1953, graduated as a Registered Nursing Assistant in 1963, took correspondence courses from Queen’s University in the 1950’s, and at the age of 70, graduated from Acadia University with a B.A. degree!  Jean was a lifelong learner!

In the 1995, Jean moved to Calgary to be closer to her family. She lived her last few years at Cedar’s Villa where she passed peacefully on Thursday, December 19, 2019 with family by her side. Jean will always be remembered for her sweet smile and kind heart.

Jean is survived by her sister-in-law, Gwen Brison of Mississauga, ON; her two daughters, Rosalie Torvi of Calgary, AB, and Lorna Wilson (Bill George) of London, ON; grandchildren, Dr. David Torvi (Heather), Bill Torvi, John Torvi (Cindy), Tom Wilson (Olga) and Dr. Carolyn Wilson (Mike); great-grandchildren, Josh Torvi, Alex Torvi, Jeremiah Abel, Christian Bennett-Wilson, Madie Bennett, Aziz Zamanov , Abby Potwarka, and Jack Potwarka; and many Brison and MacDonnell nephews and nieces.

Jean was predeceased by her husband Angus MacDonnell, parents, Foster and Hilda Brison; sister Minnie Brison, and brothers, Robert Brison, Jack Brison and Grant Brison. She was also predeceased by her son-in-law Allan Torvi, granddaughter Jennifer Torvi, and son-in-law Jim Wilson.

A private Family Celebration of Life will be held in Calgary, AB in January followed by another Celebration of Life in Mississauga, ON in February. Interment to follow in June at the Brison family grave site at The Church of Christ Church in West Gore, NS. Memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Jean’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

A tree will be planted in living memory of Jean McDonnell. McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB, T2E 2V6,   Telephone: 403-243-8200.