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Jean (Joanna) Elizabeth Dove, née Sobczynski
June 24, 1927 – February 24, 2017
Jean passed away in her 90th year surrounded by family and the truly caring staff at the Renoir retirement home. She joined the love of her life, Paul, on February 24, 2017, his birthday no less. Jean will be missed by her daughter, Barbara Vince, her grandchildren Ryan and Kaitlyn, and son in law Michael, by her son Ron Dove and grandchildren Taylor, Alyssandra and Savannah, and daughter in law Nancy, and by her son John Dove, her grandchildren Ian and Emma, and daughter in law Celesse. Jean grew up in a Polish Catholic community in Montreal North and was delighted to inform us that she had a direct line to her “Polish Pope” whenever prayers were needed. While working at the switchboard for Northern Telecom, Jean met a certain lineman from Bell Telephone … She and Paul formed a true partnership that would last 59 years. After three children, Jean played to her strength and worked as a host for tourists at Expo ’67 in Montreal followed by a successful career in customer service at The T. Eaton Company. In 1973, Jean and Paul decided to make a major change in their lives. They sold their home in LaSalle, Quebec and made the move to Saudi Arabia where they would spend the next 4 years. Their adventures together took them around the world to some 25 countries until they returned to Canada. Jean always put her family first and ensured that all her kids got on the “come travel with us” train. From their beautiful home base on Nunn’s Island in Montreal they divided their time between their cottage in Vermont and visiting their children in Ontario, Finland, and New Brunswick. Later Jean would revel in her role as Grandmother and spoil her 7 grandchildren to the best of her ability (and she was VERY able). Jean was a die-hard Habs fan her entire life. It wasn’t uncommon when visiting to find Paul in another room in the house as his Bleu Blanc Rouge wife screamed, “Patin, patin” and “Bash it in the net” during the play-offs. Jean was always up for an experience. She loved making people happy and had a definite knack for it. She hosted the annual Huntsman’s Ball after teaching herself how to cook game, the “Can-Am Games” at the Pond in Vermont, keeping all her American and Canadian guests happy and (as always) full of great food. During the winter months Jean loved to go cross country skiing with a wine skin, her man and her dog. She was a fabulous lady who deeply touched so many people and will not easily be forgotten. A private family service will be held on February 28, 2017 in the Chapel at Roadhouse and Rose Funeral Home, followed by interment at St. John Cemetery in Newmarket, Ontario. In lieu of flowers or donations, raise a glass to Jean Dove and give a cheer for the Montreal Canadiens the next time they are in town.

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