Jenny Isabel Rambeau

The Queen of Smelt Brook, the worlds best baker, and the kindest soul to so many, Jenny Isabel Rambeau (Briand) passed away comfortably July 1st at Harbourstone Guest Home with family at her side.

Jenny's life began in Smelt Brook with a large family of 12 brothers and 3 sisters. There she met and married Francis Rambeau and had twin boys, Reginald and Ricky. Jenny was predeceased by an infant daughter, Anne. Jenny adored children and was a school teacher in a small school house in Smelt Brook. She also owned a take-out on her property for some time. Besides her boys, her pride and joy were her grandchildren, Joshua and Brandi. She spoiled both with love, devotion, support and indeed worth the mention, her 'special scrambled eggs' and her famous honey squares. It was no wonder they never wanted to leave her house growing up. Jenny also has many nieces and nephews and 4 great grandchildren.

After Francis passed in 96,' Jenny continued to live a full life. She loved to travel and make new friends. Her special nephew Billy, and wife Etta, kept her busy with visits to Smelt Brook, trips to Amherst and many travels to Florida. She adored them as they did her. God and attending church was very important to her, and she was an active member of the local CWL. I am sure many remember her smiling face greeting people at the CWL suppers at the Smelt Brook hall. She also had a great relationship and spent lots of time with her brother Douglas and wife Susie, who just lived up the road. Jenny loved knitting, baking, bingo, a good card night with the ladies, and watching her soaps and nightly tv lineup. She often fell asleep during her evening programs, so she usually rewatched them again. When visitors showed up, she would readily answer all the jeopardy questions-memorizing them during the earlier airing, so she could claim to be a jeopardy champ.

To say Jenny was social is an understatement. You could not expect to knock on Jenny's door and leave quickly. It did not matter if you just ate or were not hungry, she never let anyone leave without a full belly of whatever she was cooking, plus an assortment of homemade sweets, and, of course, her famous homemade bread and rolls. It breaks our hearts that none of us ever took over her bread making skills. Jenny was the epitome of hospitality. A couple from the US once stopped at her house to ask for directions. Well, some hours later… they left with their bellies full, great stories and conversation, and a place in her yard to park their RV for the night. Over the next few years, this couple showed up for a visit whenever they were passing through. Jenny really was loved by all who knew her. If you had the benefit of knowing this beautiful soul, your life was more full as a result. (Literally full because of the amazing food) but also because you just met a lady who possessed such joy, love, warmth and kindness to whomever graced her doors.

Our family would like to send a huge thank you to all the staff at the steelworkers unit of Harbourstone. As a family, we could easily tell how much each of you enjoyed having her through the years, and the impression she made on you. The wonderful staff told us she always had a smile and kindness for all. We will never forget the fabulous care and love you showed our special Jenny. Also, we thank Janet Rambeau, Jenny's daughter in law, for taking on the role of caretaker for Jenny for many years. We hope you know that you were always a true daughter to Jenny and she treasured you dearly. You were the person always there no matter what.

The day Jenny passed, we saw the most beautiful rainbow, and on a day one wouldn't expect a rainbow. For those that believe in heaven "seeing a rainbow is confirmation that their loved one is now at peace in heaven." Thank you Jenny for giving us that sign. Because of that, our hearts were a little less heavy that day.

As per her wishes, she is to be cremated, and her ashes to be with Francis' and both laid together at their plot in Dingwall. A small gravesite burial will be announced at a later date.

If Jenny were here to add anything to this, in her always humorous fashion, she would write "Goodbye, from the old woman."

Jenny, you were loved by all that knew you. You will be missed dearly but know that your beautiful memories will live with us forever.