Some of my most cherished memories include playing some late night Man Hunt (hide & seek) in the neighborhood while the adults gathered at Ms. Jean's driveway, Ms. Jean taking me to get ice cream after dentist/orthodontist appointments, and my own conversations with her where we "solved all of the world's problems." What younger me didn't understand then, but adult me will forever be grateful for is the many life lessons she gave me. Especially when it came to being confident and it being more than okay to be proud of any accomplishment no matter how big or small.

Ms. Jean always told me the story about a shy, brace-faced, third-grade me who would always cover her mouth when smiling or laughing. I remember she would shoo my hand away any time she caught me covering my mouth. She'd tell me to quit because I had a beautiful smile and I shouldn't be afraid to show it. I know it took me a hot minute, but her words helped me gain confidence to smile and laugh freely.

She began instilling confidence in me from a young age, and this lasted well into adulthood. Conversations that would start with complaints or shying away from rooting for myself eventually turned into conversations where I'd tell her that I'm damn proud of myself for accomplishing any task/work project/etc. She helped me gain the confidence to outwardly express just how proud I am of myself and that it's okay to show it. It's okay to smile brightly.   I am forever grateful to have her become part of our family. I love you always, Ms. Jean. 

I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to tell Jean what she meant to me on her 90th birthday. We had a wonderful-like old times-long conversation that completely warmed my heart.

Jean is the person in my life  that taught me what it was to be an independent woman, a single mom and  “tell it like it is” gal. She taught with love and compassion, but didn’t mince words. I always admired that about her. Her courage to rise above challenging life circumstances left an indelible mark on my own life. I have so much respect for what she single handedly accomplished.

She was welcoming and incredibly supportive. Our conversations were some of my most cherished times as a young adult. She shared SO much wisdom and I have cherished and called upon it throughout the years.

Jean was 1 in a million. I will miss her. ❤️

I started working with Jean in 1975 when I was 17 until she retired. From boss to best friend in short order. Jean taught me my work ethic and always made me want to be a better human. I would typically arrive at 8:10  and Jean said ‘Maureen if you can get here everyday at 8:10 you can get here at 8!’  Love her life lessons. 

My two brothers and sisters also worked at TD Shea at one time or another. Colleen said I’ve been pulling up my socks for years thanks to Jean telling me that all the time. 

Jean was there for all my milestones. So many laughs and tears. My kids learned to swim in her pool and their cousins also have fond memories. When Jean lived in Chicago she invited me and my daughter Gillian to come for shopping the Miracle Mile for her 16th and we had a ball  

Bill and I visited her twice on the bike in Austin and had fun just hanging out and sharing food and stories and Homeland. We loved Leigh, Kate and  Elizabeth teasing Jean and all the laughs. No one loved her kids and grand kids or got more enjoyment out of them than Jean. Jean was so proud of you all! 

My favorite saying of Jeans is  ‘What’s for you won’t go by you’.  So true throughout my life.

Old Bean you will be forever in our hearts and I will love you always. 

Growing up we were always so excited when we got to see Auntie Jean , Leigh and Rae.  I don't remember Auntie Jean living in Montreal, my earliest memories are of her living in Windsor.

She was always so interested in what we were doing , our accomplishments and always shared exactly what she thought.   I came to look forward to her strong opinions  and honesty which she has so endearingly shared with all her loved ones.

I remember her being an independent, strong lady , a trail blazer.  One summer driving a camper van around on vacation and having a pool in the backyard of the house she independently purchased.    Doesn't get cooler than that in 1972 !  

That was truly something back then.  A true inspiration!    I learned a lot by watching her . It could not have been easy.   Dispite this , she always kept some mad money which she so generously gave to those in need or those who she felt deserved a reward  .    I think Uncle Bill was a frequent flyer of this program.  

Not so very long ago , my son Zack was so touched when Aunt Jean gave him a little spending money for his first trip to Europe. 

She fiercely loved her brothers and was the glue that held the family together.   In retrospect her boldness and honesty was most likely a product of necessity with the three  brothers she had to grow up with.   She loved telling stories about the boys and growing up in Verdun , a working class  , rough area of Montreal.   She loved her family fiercely.

As an adult my ability to receive blunt critism with a smile and perhaps a giggle stumps my peers and colleagues , who often crumble with the same critism.   I have Aunt Jean to thank for that.  I always saw the love behind it and there was a lot to go around. 

We have lost an original .  I am so blessed to have had my Aunt Jean , always in background cheering us on.

Love you Auntie Jean xox

How do you talk about someone who’s been a huge part of your childhood AND early adulthood in a concise way? By the look of this paragraph, clearly I can’t. There’s SO many memories! Ranging from the daily talks laying down by the fireplace, all the while complaining about how hard life can be, to the dramatic stories of her “saving” me from the UPS delivery, to the lessons learned (like how to swim)! There’s just too many to choose from, so instead, I thought I’d share 1 point of view (of many) on how growing up with her inspired me.

A 5-ish year old Gigi: my neighbor has tons of toys and she is willing to talk to me?? I’m living the life!

A 10-ish year old Gigi: all the adults in the neighborhood gather around on my friendly neighbor’s driveway and talk while I get to run around and play with all the kids, SO FUN! Why does she keep telling me to put on shoes though?

A 15-ish year old Gigi: my friend keeps playing an imaginary violin when I’m complaining to her about the struggles of being a teen (there’s a lot)???

An 18 year old Gigi: had a long and genuine conversation with my best friend(when I called her this she told me it would be sad if an old lady like herself was my best friend? To which I responded with “well I’ve decided for you too, we’re besties now!” Which was met with an unamused look and head tilt I’m sure we’ve all been shot with once or twice) about the fears of growing up, she gave me her honest opinion and advice then told me I can’t change it, so just get out and do it.

A 20 year old Gigi right before Christmas: unfortunately I got sick and got my sister sick which I felt terrible about, I get a phone call from my best friend who immediately picks up on my upset tone and tells me what immediately became my favorite quote: “what’s meant for you won’t go by you” (not over you, made that mistake once and she corrected me, if you’re quoting Ms. Jean back to her, you better get it right!)

A 20 y/o Gigi the next day: gets a call from her best friend, they talk for 45 minutes at least (we both have a lot to say at all times). She doesn’t feel so alone through her quarantine. This becomes our routine for the rest of those 2 weeks. I’m so comforted and grateful to someone who so quickly became family.

A 21 y/o Gigi: OLIVE GARDEN DATE!!!!! We eat, talk, argue, and laugh for hours!

A 22 y/o Gigi on her birthday: my family member isn’t feeling her best, but she doesn’t forget my birthday! She sends me a text (crazy! I’m feeling so honored as that notification pops up, she hates texting) wishing her cheeky little girl a happy birthday and sending love, I’m sending it right back.

A 22 y/o Gigi a month later: a big piece of my family isn’t feeling too hot (still looks hot though;)) I’m talking with her and finally SHE is complaining to ME it’s my time to shine. I hit her with a “hang on where’s my violin?” She hits me back with that unamused look I’ve come to love so much.

Present day me: feeling so extremely happy and lucky that Ms. Jean was a part of my life and inspired by all the stories heard and lessons learned over the years.

The truth is Ms. Jean had a positive impact on SO many people of all ages, all backgrounds, everywhere she went. As I grew, I was able to understand how precious the time spent with her was and meant to me. There’s just so much love and gratitude! Spending my formative years with her, I know that that time with her as a little girl will be carried on and helped me become the woman I am now. I love you and I’ll be the one to play the violin and say your cheeky quotes now:)

Love,

Your best friend 

Dear Ms. Jean,

You have been a big part of our family and most of mine. We were so lucky and blessed to have you as our neighbor. The memories that I have with you will be treasured forever and never forgotten. I love you and miss you. 

You know people come and go in your lives and you never know how long they will be a part. And you never know just how important that they will be.

Moving into our house over 18 years ago, as a middle schooler, I would have never expected this “old lady” to be such an important part of not only my life but my families life.

I went from being annoyed to have to say hi and have a conversation with an adult, as any kid would, to wanting to talk and bullshit with her about random things. From her watching us playing our neighborhood sports as the kids of the neighborhood. To having a beer with her and talking about life.

I fully believe life is about the relationships you build. And it is the special ones you have to keep and enjoy so much more.

Thank you Ms. Jean.

• 10) Hold your wheesht
• 9) You're in like Flynn
• 8) Sh-t or get off the pot
• 7) If you believe all you hear, you'll eat all you see
• 6) To hell with poverty, boil the cat
• 5) There's many a slip between the cup and the lip
• 4) Where's the gizie?
• 3) To each his own said the man who kissed the coo (cow)
• 2) That's life, a bucket of slush
• 1) Never underestimate the old lady

Great characters like Auntie Jean are few and far between.  Really enjoyed the conversation and visit few years back. Still remember it ! End of an era for the Fenders. Bert, Billy (aka The Fox) and Duncan. The Fender clan is back together again. Lookout ! 

To Leigh , Rae, and her beloved grandchildren, we send our deepest condolences. Bill and Kim Fender.

"Ma" McIntosh was my second mom while I was growing up in Troy, MI. I went to high school (go RedHawks!) with best friend Rae and Leigh. I was privileged to become the honorary "middle child" in the McIntosh family. I have many fond stories and memories of those times. Growing up in the Detroit area, there has to be automotive anecdotes. Ma was instrumental in two of my most treasured car stories. 

The first was the day I got my driver's license. My parents had both of the family cars tied up, so I hoofed it over to hang out with Rae. When I got to the house on Calvert DR, I proudly showed off my brand new license. Ma reached over and handed me the keys to her Buick Regal and said "Why don't you and Rae go to the mall or something." In shock, I picked my chin up off the floor, took the proffered keys, grabbed Rae and carefully drove to the mall and back. I secretly know she knew how much her trust in me meant.  Actually, she probably just wanted to get rid of us to enjoy some peace and quiet.   :o)

The second occasion happened several years later. My dad was transferred and moved the family to a small town in Ohio. I stayed in Michigan to finish school. I finally graduated from Oakland University (go Golden Grizzlies, nee Pioneers!) I got my first 'real' job and was ready to give the tired old Plymouth Horizon back to my parents and buy my own car. I was excited, apprehensive, and naïve, so I asked Ma to go with me to the dealership to help with the process. She made sure the deal was honest and even put the down payment on her credit card until I could get to the bank the next day to transfer funds (remember pre-internet banking?) She was the first passenger in my shiny new Dodge Daytona Turbo Z. Another proud moment we shared.

I have many more tales growing up with the McIntosh's, but I'll end with this:  Ma, I know it's been a lot of years. I'll miss you and will always remember you with love. Thanks for making me a part of the family. 

 - Gary