Jean Painter (born Durrell) died this week at Stillwater Creek Retirement Residence at the age of 82. She was born in Larder Lake Ontario to Sybil McCracken and Gordon Durrell.
She was preceded in death by her husband Philip “John” Painter in 1977 and her daughter of 2 weeks Jocelyn in 1968. To her relief her son Philip eventually married to Raluca (nee Ionescu of Bucharest) and she has two cherished grandchildren Laura Christina and Ana Elizabeth all residing in Brussels.
While she had many loved aunts and uncles and cousins she was always close to her two and surviving siblings Doug Durrell (husband of Pamela) and Dianne Kingston (wife of Bob). Di’s three children David, Trish and Nancy and their families occupied a special place in her heart as did John and Fay Begg and their children Jon and Dawn.
Through marriage she is survived by her two nieces Shelley Getty (Painter) and Karen Bellows (Painter) daughters of Joyce. Also survived by family friend of many years Betty Nesbitt.
She attended Elgin Street School, Lisgar Collegiate Institute and later was a graduate of the universities of Carleton and Ottawa, in Journalism and Library Science respectively. She enjoyed her time working as a librarian on Parliament Hill and later taught others to work in the field at Algonquin College where she ran the Library Technology program for many years. Her work brought her lifelong friends in Jim&Monica, the Bettys and Barbara Lance. During the summers as a university student she also worked in the Royal Canadian Air Force causing no end of trouble with her friend Pat Cliver.
Jean enjoyed traveling, gardening, genealogy, amateur theatre (OLT/NLT), figure skating, curling, cottaging and telling stories, many many stories. She loved and lived in New Liskeard, Manotick and Appleton, but mostly Ottawa during her life.
Her family would like to thank the staff at Stillwater Creek for this difficult year and the excellent neighbours she had in Centrepointe for their support and care.
She was cremated at Beechwood Cemetery and will have her ashes scattered by the family later in the summer. Online condolences can be left at beechwoodottawa.ca and any donations can be made to a Dementia or Alzheimer’s charity.
Digital Guestbook
Jo-Anne Cody
Susan Dancause
I am also a former student of Jean's from the Algonquin College days. That was many years ago & I recall Jean taught cataloguing & reference. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
Heather Nesbitt
Philip & Raluca
I was so deeply sorry to read of Jean's passing in today's Citizen. I knew she was unwell, but I did not realize she was at Stillwater Creek. I am assuming you are here in Ottawa. If so, and time permits could you give me a call Philip, I'm now in Kanata 613-592-0110
Your Mom was a great lady and I know you will miss her dearly.
Heather
Dianne Rummery
I have known Jean since Manor Park days--she was a vibrant teenager and woman--condolences to Dianne and Doug and of course Philip. Dianne (Walker) Rummery
Ray Van Iterson
Phil,
Very sorry to hear about your mother. I always enjoyed talking to her.
Ray
Jean Weerasinghe
Jean was was a kind, helpful, lively person and a consummate professional librarian and teacher. I benefitted very much from her teaching, her counsel and wisdom in my own career, and enjoyed the pleasure of her friendship. My sincere condolences to her family and friends on her passing.
I have fond memories of Jean who was my teacher at Algonquin. My condolences to her family and friends and may she rest in peace.