Jean Millard

Jean Millard It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Jean Millard (nee Burwell), our beloved and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Jean was born on October 17, 1941 in Saskatoon and passed away peacefully on December 17 at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon. Jean will be forever remembered by her husband of 45 years, Neil; her loving children Ken (Rosa-Lea), Jennet (Patrick), Robert (Charlene); grandchildren Jacqueline, Nicholas, Spencer; brother Tom (Betty); sister-in-law Fernelle (Larry); and many other family and friends. Jean is predeceased by her sister Judy; her parents Bob and Marjorie Burwell; and her parents-in-law Otis and Betty Millard. Jean grew up on the family farm near Asquith where she kept active with 4-H and CGIT. She went to school at the McTavish oneroom school house, LCBI in Outlook, and Asquith School. She graduated as a registered nurse in 1963 from Victoria Union Hospital in Prince Albert and took her first nursing assignment at the United Church Hospital in Burns Lake, BC. In 1965 she married Neil of Canwood, SK and raised three wonderful children together in their homes in Edmonton, La Ronge, Star City, Birch Hills, and Biggar. Jean ensured her children were always involved in extracurricular and sporting activities and took immense joy and pride in seeing her sons play hockey and baseball and participating in Youth Parliament, listening to Ken play the piano and Robert sing in the PA Boys' Choir, and seeing Jennet excel in drama, running, and Girl Guides. In 2003, Jean and Neil retired to Jean's hometown of Asquith where they were close to family and friends. Although Jean was besieged with rheumatoid arthritis for several decades, breast cancer, and other ailments in her final years, she never let any of it prevent her from living a happy and fulfilling life. Jean was an active volunteer Sunday school teacher & superintendent, president of the national United Church Women of Canada, president of the National Home & School Association, Life Lines Book Store volunteer, Royal Purple, United Church camp boards for Camp Tapawingo and Camp Outlook, United Church Presbytery, Girl Guides, Fort Nightly, and countless others. She enjoyed family camping trips, picnics at the farm, watching baseball with Neil, sitting in the garden shade, and every moment with her beautiful grandchildren, especially sitting around the campfire. A recent highlight for her was a trip to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver where she attended the men's gold medal curling game. Jean led by example and taught us all important life lessons love unconditionally, give generously, always lend a hand, and never ever give up. Her determination and courage in the face of so many obstacles are an inspiration to us all. She was loved and admired by all who knew her and had a warm and radiant smile for everyone she met. She will be forever missed and always in our hearts. The funeral service will be held at Biggar United Church on Tuesday, December 21 at 2 pm. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Asquith United Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 53, Asquith, S0K 0J0 and The Arthritis Society at 1-800-321-1433. Grondin Funeral ServicesBiggar entrusted with the arrangements. (306-948-2669). Our family Serving Your Family.