Obituary of Jean McLean

March 21, 1933 - Naicam, Saskatchewan

July 26, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Islay Jean Burnette McLean on Friday, July 26, 2024, at the age of 91 years. Jean was born in Naicam and raised on a farm in Lac Vert, SK. She was the third child of Hugh and Clara Fraser, with siblings Muriel, Hector, Jean, Sheila, and Hughene.

Jean moved to Medicine Hat and worked at AGT as a switchboard operator, where she met her husband, Deral Marr. They married in 1951 and had three daughters: Bonnie, Donna and Susan. Deral was transferred to Drumheller in 1957 and Mom began setting up a home and meeting new people. She started a knitting club and joked it was never about knitting, but a good excuse to meet others. Her longtime friends from that time were Freda Utley and Connie Jacobsen.

Singing was something Jean loved, so she joined the Sweet Adelines Chorus where she established many more friendships and even travelled with the group. The family moved back to Medicine Hat for a few years, and in 1971, after our parent’s divorce, she moved to Calgary.

In 1974, Jean married the love of her life, George Adams, who introduced her to the joys of travel and new cultures. They lived in many parts of South America and then moved to Denver. In 1986 they returned to Canada to retire, living in Okotoks and finally in Calgary. Sadly, George passed in 1998.

Jean decided to join a Widows Group. In true “Jean” style, she handed out personal business cards in order to meet new people. After some years alone, she met Mitch McLean in 2000, they married in 2004 and enjoyed a very entertaining life together. Mitch passed away suddenly in 2009.

In 2018 Jean moved to Agecare Seton and in 2023 she became a resident at Extendicare Cedars Villa.

Jean was proud of her family. She is survived by daughters, Bonnie Smith (Gord) of Calgary, Donna Hames-Costello (Charlie Costello) of Calgary, and Susan Hart (Cal) of Fort Saskatchewan. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Ryan Hart (Jen), Colin Hart (Trisha), Jordan Hart (Ashley), Scott Hames (Brigid), Fraser Hames (Jessica), Dean Hames (Celeste), and Graham Smith (Kelvie). Jean was delighted by her great-grandchildren, Olivia, Layton, Ruth, Clara, Casey, and Romee Isla (Hart), Nora, Georgina, Francis and Hunter (Hames), and Orson (Smith). Jean is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husbands, Deral Marr, George Adams, and Mitch McLean; sister Sheila, brother Hector, brothers-in-law, Don and Lavern; and sister-in-law Florence, as well as her nephews, Doug and Bill.

Jean lived an exceptional life, cherished her time with family and friends, and will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank the caring staff from AHS homecare "We Care", Agecare Seton, and Extendicare Cedars Villa. They are also grateful to the EMS and Fire department who were the first responders in the community of Midnapore.

As per Jean’s wishes, no formal services will be held.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jean’s family here.

In living memory of Jean McLean, 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.