Born on October 19, 1950, at Toronto, Ontario to Kenneth and Mabel Braidwood. Kenneth was born at St. Petersburg, Russia to Scottish parents. Mabel was born at Bangor, Prince Edward Island. The heritage of Jean's parents greatly influenced her attitudes and ethics throughout her life. After meeting in Prince Edward Island, Kenneth and Mabel moved to Toronto and gave birth to this wonderful woman, as well as brother Jack and sister Rosemary.
Jean met her husband Bob in 1973, in Barrie, Ontario. They were married in 1976 and purchased a camp on the shores of Long Lake on the same day. They joined Bob's sister Kathy and brother Jim in the city where they attended high school. Jean gave birth to her daughter Jessica in 1983 and their son Russell arrived after a long hiatus in 1990. The family spent a great deal of time with extended family.
Jean was a dedicated student and after Elementary and High School, she attended York University and the University of Toronto. Moving to Sudbury in 1976, she worked for the Sudbury Board of Education at Southshore School. Borrowing from her ethic of reaching every child, she became a Special Education consultant for the board. She then became principal of Gatchell Public School, Ruth MacMillan Centre, George Vanier Public School and Lansdowne Public School, imparting her love of education on all students and staff. Jean then became superintendent of the Rainbow District School Board. After several inspirational years of working at the board office, Jean retired as the first female director of the Rainbow District School Board in 2010.
She will be sadly missed by brothers-in-law Jim Hanson and Tom van Heijst; sisters-in-law, Colleen Hanson (née Baker), Kathy Hanson, and Jean Van Heijst (née Hanson); nieces, Michelle Coles (née Guindon), Chloeann Summerfield (née Hanson), Erica Hanson Hamilton, and Anna Van Heijst; and nephews, Grant Braidwood, Chris Algar, Adam Algar, Andrew Van Heijst, Pieter Van Heijst, Jan Van Heijst and Scott Guindon (predeceased). Jean's daughter Jessica is engaged to marry Joe Lonsdale of Christchurch, New Zealand. They share a newborn baby girl - Meehan Charlotte Lonsdale. Meehan was the light of Jean's final days.
Resting at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch St., Sudbury (Friends may call 2-5; 7-9 p.m. Friday). Funeral service in St. Peter's United Church, 203 York St., Sudbury, Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 11a.m. Cremation at the Park Lawn Crematorium.
Donations to the Jean Hanson Memorial Scholarship (Rainbow District School Board) would be appreciated.

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