Obituary of Margaret "Jean" MAJOR (nee Coughlan)

December 20, 1923 – Hastings, Ontario

March 8, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Jean Major passed away peacefully and in the comfort of her family on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 97 years of age.

A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and special aunt.  Jean was born and raised as a devout Irish Catholic in the village of Hastings, ON. Her forefathers fled the famine and economic hardships that persisted in Ireland during the early part of the 19th century. Her great-great-grandfather, Timothy Coughlan joined his brother Richard in the Asphodel Township of Ontario in 1833. Timothy went on to become a successful farmer, landowner, businessman, and a politician playing a prominent role in the establishment of what became the village of Hastings. The contributions to the establishment and development of Hastings by Jean’s ancestors are recognized in the portraits of her father, her grandfather as well as her great-great-grandfather on a mural in downtown Hastings depicting early settlers.

As mindful of her heritage as she was Jean was equally interested in the history and family connections of others, not only of her relatives and in-laws but also of the people she would meet and talk to. Jean was always up to the minute in respect of the news of the day, whether international, national, or local. She was keenly interested in a broad spectrum of matters of common concern from science to politics, to the economy and of course religion. While she was most proud of her children and their families she was always interested in hearing about the lives of her friends, and their families. Jean was genuinely interested in other people and had a unique ability to make and maintain connections the world over. Jean was blessed with a great sense of humour, quick wit, and a remarkable memory. She had an enviable ability to remember people’s names as well as the basis for connections that she had learned about from them or from their family and friends.

Jean and Bill were married in Edmonton, AB on October 9, 1948. They lived in Toronto, Edmonton, and Hanna before settling in Calgary in 1962. Jean was fully committed to helping others. She was active in the CWL at Sacred Heart Church, served as the Alberta Board Member for Horizons of Friendship for twenty-five years, supported the foundation of The L’Arche community of Calgary, volunteered at a neighbourhood senior’s home and contributed to worthy charitable causes throughout her lifetime.

Jean is survived by her six children, Mary Jo (Christian Grandjean), Mike (Carol Major), Patricia (Ron Hansford), Cathy Wenuk (John Wenuk), Karen (Hyung Kim), and Janet (Gordon Hasick); her thirteen grandchildren, Eleanor (Connor), Celeste, Jamie (Janice), Margot, Jeff (Janine), Kevin (Anna), Nick (Emily), Thomas, Isabel, Robert, Walter, Aidan, and Sasha; and her great-grandchildren, Hanna, Dylan, and Maxon. She was predeceased by her father, Timothy A. Coughlan, her mother Olivia (O’Shea) Coughlan, and her siblings, Gerald, Fr. John, Paul (Merilda), Helen, Fr. Tim, Olivia, and Emmett (survived by his wife, Shirley) as well as her cherished husband William “Bill” Major.

A Funeral Mass was held Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at Sacred Heart Parish with strict observance of Covid protocols, no gathering or reception was permitted. It is hoped that there will be an opportunity to celebrate Jean’s life once Covid restrictions are no longer preventing such gatherings. In the meantime, condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed on Jean’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Jean Major, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.