Obituary for Jean O'Dowda
Jean O’Dowda (“Nana” to her grandchildren), born in 1920, passed on June 2, 2020, six months shy of her 100th birthday. Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband of 54 years, Bob (Robert A. O’Dowda), grandson, Ryan O’Dowda, and brothers, Scott and Tremayne Thompson.
Jean is survived by her loving family: Son, Jack O’Dowda, and daughter-in-law, Pamela; granddaughter, Shannon Muzyka (Curtis); and great grandchildren, Nickalas and Vanessa; Daughter, Maureen Mackenzie, and son-in-law, Doug; grandchildren, Fraser Mackenzie (Susan Vukovic), Reagan Restall (John); and great grandson, Baxter.
Jean loved her numerous nieces, nephews and their children with whom she spent many happy hours at Laclu. The Johnson, Forsyth and Buchan families were always close to her heart.
Jean was blessed with a wonderful life. She had fond memories of her childhood, being raised near Oak River, MB during the depression by her Glaswegian father, Peter Thompson (a successful “flying farmer”), and her mother, Theresa Scott (from Nova Scotia), who tragically died when Jean was 18. Jean was an athletic and bright student. After moving to Winnipeg, she soon met her dashing, athletic Bob. They married in 1942. They were avid skiers in winter and enjoyed summers at Laclu, ON while raising a family and sharing cottage life with extended family and friends. In retirement, they wintered in Bonita Springs, Florida. Jean was able to spend time at both the cottage and Florida into her early 90s.
In her last years, Jean moved to Tuxedo Villa for the care she needed. The family wishes to express their great appreciation for the exceptional care and kindness she received from their wonderful staff.
Jean lived life with love, grace and enthusiasm, deeply involved with her family and friends. She was an avid reader, an excellent cook and there was nothing like Nana’s Sunday prime rib roast dinner. She had a “can do” attitude. Jean and Bob were active in many community organizations and activities including the Winnipeg Executives Association, West Winnipeg Rotary, the Winnipeg Canoe Club and so many more. In her later years, she lived as if age held no bounds on her abilities. She has been an example to her family of a life well lived.
At Jean’s request there will be no funeral. The family will gather privately to celebrate her long, happy and blessed life.
Jean is survived by her loving family: Son, Jack O’Dowda, and daughter-in-law, Pamela; granddaughter, Shannon Muzyka (Curtis); and great grandchildren, Nickalas and Vanessa; Daughter, Maureen Mackenzie, and son-in-law, Doug; grandchildren, Fraser Mackenzie (Susan Vukovic), Reagan Restall (John); and great grandson, Baxter.
Jean loved her numerous nieces, nephews and their children with whom she spent many happy hours at Laclu. The Johnson, Forsyth and Buchan families were always close to her heart.
Jean was blessed with a wonderful life. She had fond memories of her childhood, being raised near Oak River, MB during the depression by her Glaswegian father, Peter Thompson (a successful “flying farmer”), and her mother, Theresa Scott (from Nova Scotia), who tragically died when Jean was 18. Jean was an athletic and bright student. After moving to Winnipeg, she soon met her dashing, athletic Bob. They married in 1942. They were avid skiers in winter and enjoyed summers at Laclu, ON while raising a family and sharing cottage life with extended family and friends. In retirement, they wintered in Bonita Springs, Florida. Jean was able to spend time at both the cottage and Florida into her early 90s.
In her last years, Jean moved to Tuxedo Villa for the care she needed. The family wishes to express their great appreciation for the exceptional care and kindness she received from their wonderful staff.
Jean lived life with love, grace and enthusiasm, deeply involved with her family and friends. She was an avid reader, an excellent cook and there was nothing like Nana’s Sunday prime rib roast dinner. She had a “can do” attitude. Jean and Bob were active in many community organizations and activities including the Winnipeg Executives Association, West Winnipeg Rotary, the Winnipeg Canoe Club and so many more. In her later years, she lived as if age held no bounds on her abilities. She has been an example to her family of a life well lived.
At Jean’s request there will be no funeral. The family will gather privately to celebrate her long, happy and blessed life.