Jean Elizabeth Morpurgo

To Jean's lovely Family,

I wrote this last week and thought that I would share it with you on here. Thinking of you all...
xoxo


What Jean Taught Me...

I first met Jean Morpurgo when I was 16. I had been asked to be a part of “Scrooge” at Neptune and she was directing. My job was to go in and be one of four teenager types who would help transition the scenes by singing Christmas Carols and who would move the occasional piece of scenery. I knew my place was very low on the totem pole, but, boy, was I excited to be there!

From the first moment I met our all-powerful (but incredibly humble) director, I knew she was special. Jean managed to include us “kids” from the first moment and make us feel welcome and a part of the company, even though we started rehearsal later than everyone else.

Jean taught me, with that one production, the way theatre should be... collaborative and fun. She also taught me that every single person is important and valuable, a lesson I will always take will me.

Following that production, I’d run into Jean every once in awhile and her first words were always, “Sarah Blair!! How are you, Darling?!” She always put other people first and was ever positive, always smiling, even when I saw her in the midst of fighting her illness. If she could be positive through all of that, who am I to get down on myself for not landing a gig or because it’s raining outside?! Another lesson from Jean... enjoy every moment and each person in your life.

I feel so privileged to have known Jean and to have had her influence in my life. I am certain I am not the only one who feels this way.

She taught me more than she’ll ever know and I will always, always be grateful.
Thank you, Jeanica.
xoxox

We are so sorry to hear about your loss and wish we could have joined you yesterday. We have fond memories of dancing events, sleep overs, chats about parenting and ponderings about life in general. Jean was so full of life and we believe her spirit will live on in you, Kirstie, Duncan and Ben, as well as in many of the rest of us who knew her. Her love for you three was enduring. Keep your fond and loving memories with you.
With our deepest sympathy,
Laurie and Amanda MacKay
Erin, Alexa and Jordi MacKay

I confess to having lost touch with Jean in recent years. Her "notoriety" of recent years certarinly relates to her theatre career but in my family she played a role that is unspeakably precious. She gave our daughter (who was born with quadraplegic spastic cerebral palsy, deafness and developmental delay) the ability to walk. Nonie (my daughter) was given no hope of ever walking by her neonatologist. (this was 26 years ago) Jean was working at the IWK physio dept at that time and she had the ability to overide that diagnosis by her methods of therapy. It seemed hopeless by times I admit but we travelled faithfully the 1 1/2 hr trip to Hfx every week for 2 years to work with her and when Nonie was 3 Jean and I returned to that Doctor with Nonie and she walked to him. He said " I am seeing it and yet I still don't believe it." So Jean's contribution to our lives was monumental and I shall never forget her nor be able to express my gratitude. It was an honour to have known Jean.
Heather Tunnah (Nonie Kelley's mom)
the IWK mag. Children's Times did a feature article on Jean and Nonie.

My heartfelt condolences to all of Jean's family and dear friends. A part of our lives is gone, but her star will shine long and bright. I often bumped into Jean by sheer coincidence - on a plane, walking down the street half way across the country... she always had a warm smile, keen interest and time to stop, chat and catch up. I am glad to have known you Jean.

To Jean's family...
my deepest sympathies.
A star who dimmed too soon.

Look at the stars,
Look how they shine for you,
Yeah they were all yellow.

Gord Gammie

For Jean's family,
My sincere condolences for your loss.
It was a priviledge to have known Jean and her many talents.
She was such a courageous and kind lady.
With sincere thoughts,
Mrs. Faith Ward