Jean Edwards

****SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT****

                A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 22nd, 2024, from 2-3 pm at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Sydney Mines. All are welcome to attend.  

Jean (Anthony) Edwards was a beautiful woman, both inside and out.  She was born on 31 August 1930 of Newfoundland parents; her Mom, a Mouland from Bonivista and her Dad from Fogo Island. Her parents met in Cape Breton, where they both found work, she a housekeeper and he a Steel worker in Whitney Pier. Jean was a scholar throughout her early education and went on to successful careers in Banking, teaching (business college), as a librarian and work as a medical secretary.

She was courted by a young man from Sydney Mines, who came from a very large family of 18 children and he picked her up while she was hitch-hiking to Baddeck (though her Mom was unaware). He chased her until she caught him and they married in 1958, producing two children, Patricia Lynn (Patti) in 1958 and Robert (Bob) in 1961.

Jean was traumatized by the loss of her husband Clarence in a workplace accident aboard the M.V. William Carson on 2 January 1972 as she was left to raise two pre-teen children and be the sole breadwinner of the family. Due to her persistence and with the compassion of local folks, Jean raised her children with strength and determination and provided a warm, safe and loving home; with no shortage of desserts!

In her later years, she and Patti made regular appearances at community events, and local restaurants and they were always the last to leave a gathering. Mom loved her many friends on the Northside in addition to; more than 50 years with Rebeccas, TOPS and her weekly card games at the Verschuren Farm.

Mom passed on 10 February 2024 at the age of 93. She is survived by sister Elaine Melnick of Vineland ON, son Bob (Norma) of Sydney, three grandchildren (Jason, Cynthia and Owen), and three great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Clarence and daughter Patti.

We extend our most sincere gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Taigh Solas, who cared for Mom as if “Jellybean” was a member of their own family. Thanks also to Dr. Paul Hickey and Dr. Eugene Ignacio for your exceptional and personal level of care and compassion.

Cremation has taken place in accordance with Moms wishes and a church service will be scheduled at a later date. Donations in Mom’s memory can be made to a charity of choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean Edwards, please visit our floral store.