Jean Elizabeth (Murison) KINGWELL

A life well lived ended with the passing of Jean Elizabeth Kingwell on Monday, August 24, 2020 at Rose Villa, Rosetown.

Jean was born June 26, 1919 in North Battleford to Charles and Elizabeth Murison. She grew up as an only child on the family farm near Ruddell, Saskatchewan. Although an only child, she quickly made herself an important part of the large Collins family of nearby neighbours. It was a special friendship which lasted a lifetime as we all feel like one large family. Jean was fond of travel and as a young adult lived briefly in Vancouver before settling in as a telephone operator in Rosetown. Here, she met the love of her life, Frank Kingwell and they married October 30, 1946. The following August 6th they were blessed with the birth of a daughter, Audrey Jean. Dennis followed June 10, 1949. Unfortunately, tragedy struck with the death of Audrey from whooping cough on August 17th of that same year. They were again blessed with the birth of another son Jim on January 7, 1952. Jean lived a very busy life with community involvement in church activities, local postmistress, the Rowena Ladies Club, local reporter for the Eagle newspaper, sports such as baseball, curling, lawn bowling and bowling. Her athletics skills continued into her senior years winning many Seniors Bowling Championships. Life on the farm kept her busy helping Frank in the fields at harvest, growing a large garden, keeping her busy boys and all their friends entertained and always having time for neighbours and friends. Frank and Jean both loved to travel whether by camper truck, car, train or plane. Family trips with the Lawsons continued even after the children were all grown. After Frank’s passing, Jean continued to travel with friends to Europe and on a Caribbean Cruise. Jean gathered friends and always kept in touch. As she moved into Lion’s Manor she enjoyed many games and gatherings both in the Manor and the Seniors Center. Family gatherings remained a mainstay throughout her life.

Jean was predeceased by her daughter Audrey and husband Frank. She is survived by son Dennis (Vera), their children Rob (Janette), Crystal (Chris), Dave (Nadia) and son Jim (Wendy) their children Chad (Ashley), Jeff (Hayley) as well as eight great-grandchildren. The family would like to send a special thank you to all staff at Rose Villa for their kind and compassionate care over the last three years. 

A Private Family Celebration of Jean’s life was held on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Donations may be made to Rosetown Senior Citizen Activity Centre, P.O. Box 67, Rosetown, SK S0L 2V0 or Heartland Health Region (Rosetown & District Health Centre Long Term Care Activity Fund), P.O. Box 653, Rosetown, SK S0L 2V0.