Jean Lawrence Macartney passed away in Victoria, B.C., on March 14, 2016, just months after the death of her beloved husband, Hugh, with whom she spent 62 years. Gentle and always mindful of others, she will be remembered with deep love and admiration by her immediate family, relatives and friends.
Jean was born in Calgary, Alberta on July 15, 1924 to her Scottish-born parents. She was raised during the depression and the onset of war. When she graduated in 1946 from the University of Alberta with a B.Sc (Chemistry), her adventurous spirit took her to post-war Europe with four university friends – the “unclaimed treasures”. These life long friends, 40 years later, retraced their steps on another trip to Europe. After moving to Vancouver, Jean worked as a lab technician at the Vancouver General Hospital. This is where she met and, in 1953, married a young medical resident from Northern Ireland, Dr. Hugh Macartney. Together they raised five children.
The family moved to Victoria, B.C. in 1965. Here, Jean created a warm and beautiful home, constantly full of friends and activity, complete with a menagerie that included son Malcolm’s various reptiles. Jean was known for her Scottish Presbyterian no-nonsense “just carry on” work ethic, for her selfless generosity and kind spirit, and for the value she placed on learning. She had an artist’s eye for colour and design, and was active in the Delta Gamma Fraternity, University Women’s Club and Weavers and Embroiderer’s Guild. Together with Hugh, she was an inveterate traveller. She also enjoyed bridge, hosting big Sunday dinners, researching her Scottish genealogy, minding her grandchildren and sipping the occasional glass of sherry.
She leaves her four sons: Dr. Donal Macartney (Renee) Kingston, Ontario; Dr. Malcolm Macartney (Margaret) Victoria, B.C.; Ambassador Kenneth Macartney (Susan), Stockholm, Sweden; Colin Macartney (Debbie), Calgary AB; and her daughter Shelagh of Victoria, B.C.. Shelagh was singularly devoted to ensuring, together with the wonderful staff at Hart House, that Jean spent her final years in as great comfort as possible, as dementia took its creeping toll. She also leaves nine grandchildren: Natalie, Ian, Thomas, Julia, Michael, Andrew, Emma, Sean and Liam; her sisters-in-law Carol Macartney of Crawfordsburn, N. Ireland, Eve Willox of Edmonton, AB and numerous nieces and nephews and their families, all of whom meant so much to her.
Please join us celebrating the wonderful lives of Jean and Hugh at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, 3475 Ripon Road, Saturday, March 26th 1 – 4 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Allison Patterson
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Cynthia Hanischuk Shelagh, Lennie and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your Mom rest in peace.
Love
Cynthia and Lennie
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Edith Anne Purdy I sincerely wish I could attend the celebration of the lives of Jean and Hugh on Saturday. Today in their honor I am sending a gift to the Canadian Red Cross in aid of the refugees. Thinking of you. Edith Anne
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HART HOUSE, Christina Scott, GM Dear Shelagh and family:
We surround you with love and joy! The beautiful obituary for Jeannie fleshed out a life well lived indeed! It is always sad to say goodbye to this part of the divine, ongoing life but there is joy in knowing that Jeannie has been released from her earthly state not in keeping with her true, vibrant self. I believe she chose to move on, released herself from the fear of the unknown and now soars with freedom. THAT takes courage. Bless you all as you celebrate Jeannie and her husband, Hugh for all they were and how much they meant to you throughout their lives. We at HART HOUSE were so privileged to be part of her end-of-life days and we share in feeling the void Jeannie has left behind. We send you our love. HART HOUSE/Christina Scott
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George and Christine Smith Condolences to all the wonderful Macartney family on the loss of their gracious and kind mother.
We have so many happy memories of holidays with Jean and Hugh. She never lost contact with her Scottish roots, encouraging the families here and across the Atlantic to stick together and maintain the contact. A life well lived. Kindest thoughts to you all, from Christine and George in Aberdeen.
What a wonderful tribute to your mother Shelagh. I send much love to you and your family. Your mom and dad were so well loved, during their long lives and at the ends of their lives.
Many condolences for your loss.
Allison and family