Obituary of Jean Mary Wilsdon (Long)

April 3, 1958 – London, Ontario
September 16, 2021 - Dalemead, Alberta

Jean Wilsdon (Long) passed away suddenly at home on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at the age of 63 years.

Jean was the beloved wife of Michael Long and beloved and loving mother of children Jeffrey (Sarah), Megan (Ian Miller), Holly and Andrew. Born in London, Ont., Jean moved around Canada in her early years as her father was in the military. When in her teens, the family settled in Horseshoe Bay, B.C., and she went on to graduate from Simon Fraser University with a B.Sc in Chemistry. A couple of years after starting her career in Vancouver with Shell Oil, she transferred to Calgary in 1985. 

She met Michael in 1986 and in less than a year, they were married. The couple became a family with Jeffrey’s arrival in 1991, soon to be followed by Megan, then Andrew and finally Holly in 1998. Jean supported her children in all their activities and, although she was always happy to share her advice and wisdom, as the children matured, she encouraged each to make their own way in life, accepting and loving them always. For the past twenty-three years, Michael and Jean’s home has been an acreage outside Dalemead, Alberta, where Jean could often be found in a favourite chair, or enjoying a corner of their beautiful yard and garden or perhaps up on the deck basking in the views of the outdoors. She was thrilled both Megan and Jeffrey chose to host their wedding receptions on the home acreage and whole-heartedly welcomed son-in-law Ian and daughter-in-law Sarah to the family. 

Jean loved to travel and especially enjoyed getting off the beaten path where she could meet local people and share their experiences and gain insight. She was keen to experience life overseas and when Michael had a work opportunity in Cyprus in the early years of their marriage and more recently in Australia, she was an enthusiastic supporter and appreciative of the opportunity to meet new friends and experience a new culture. Other travels included Swaziland, parts of Asia, Mexico, the Middle East, Costa Rica, Haiti and numerous European countries.

Jean’s caring, interested nature touched people and as a result she made friends and impacted people everywhere she went.  As a friend recently shared, “She was always encouraging those around her. She didn’t just see who people were; she also saw who they could be. She believed in them and encouraged them towards that.”  She leaves not only her immediate and large extended family to mourn her passing but many, many others. 

An only child, Jean embraced her own extended family, and happily took Michael’s siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and others into her heart and home. Her door was always open to friends, family and their friends and family. Everyone was welcome at anytime and would, typically, leave well-fed – physically, emotionally and spiritually.  Jean’s zest for life included having fun, lots of laughter and playing practical jokes. 

Coming to faith midway through her own life, she continued to grow in faith right through to her last day on Earth. She had a passion to inspire others in their walk with the Lord but was always fully accepting of anyone, no matter where they were in their spiritual life and even if they did not believe. Jean was involved in the leadership team of the Women’s Ministry of The Church of the Lutheran Brethren since 2011 and became a co-director of the WMCLB in May 2019. 

Jean was predeceased by her mother Dorothy in 1988, father Peter in 2007 and father-in-law Chris Long in 2015.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, September 24, 2021 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Those attending both the Viewing and the Memorial Service will be asked to confirm one of the following, (A) COVID vaccination (date requested), OR (B) a negative COVID test (within 72 hours), OR (C) Medical exemption AND valid government identification (with name & date of birth) OR (D) Under 12 years of age.

A Memorial Service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church (14640 – 6th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the church. There will be a private graveside service at Mountain View Memorial Gardens. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Jean’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to support Jean's passion, to help the vulnerable in the world, including ending human trafficking.  The charity we have identified is 'World Hope International" - which is setup in Canada, the United States and Australia, https://worldhope.ca/give/.

In living memory of Jean, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Jean's memorial card can be viewed using this link

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