New Glasgow - Jean Cresine (Connell) Ashton, 89, Parkdale, New Glasgow, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2011 in the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Unit. Born on Temperance Street, August 8, 1921, Jean was the youngest child of the late Jesse and Melinda (Ford) Connell. Jean was the last surviving member of her immediate family. At eight months of age, her family moved to Pine Street where she lived the rest of her natural life. She was a member of the Golden Link Rebekah Lodge No. 2, having been a past Noble Grand; member of the Pythian Sisters Lodge; member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 34, New Glasgow, having gone through the chair as president. Jean and her late husband, Robert, were the first couple to hold president chairs in the Legion at the same time. She was also, an honorary member of the Ladies Auxiliary, New Glasgow Fire Department. Mum and Dad delivered for meals on wheels. Jean bowled with the housewives bowling league before joining the senior mixed bowling league, was a member of the mixed darts league, New Glasgow Legion, a member of the 55 Plus Club and thoroughly enjoyed the years she curled in the New Glasgow Bluenose Curling Club. Mum volunteered at the Aberdeen Hospital Gift Shop. At the age of 86, she developed a frozen right shoulder. At that time, she learned to pitch darts with her left hand. Up to the age of 87, she continued to drive her own car.
Jean is survived by daughters: Donna (Jim) Ashton-Ward, Lower Sackville; Gloria (Frank) Hillier; Anita (David) O’Neil, both of New Glasgow; seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; nieces and nephews and several grand nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert; brothers: Jim, William (Bunk), George and Keith; sister Eva Howe. Visitation will take place from 2-4 and 7-9 pm Tuesday in the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Funeral service will take place at 2 pm on Wednesday in Trinity United Church, Temperance St., New Glasgow, with Rev. Jim Webber-Cook officiating. Reception to follow. Burial will be in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens, Sylvester, at a later date. Family flowers only please. Donations may be made to Trinity United Church or the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society. Condolences at: www.rhporter.ca
“Her weary hours
And days of unrest
Her troubled nights
Are past.
In our aching
Hearts we know
She has found
Sweet rest at last”