Jean-Marie Bagshaw, 76, of Huntsville, died on December 31, 2024 after several years with cancer of the esophagus.
She was born in 1948 in Toronto. Her parents were Lillian and Arthur Gallant.
Jean attended Williamson Road Public School and Malvern Collegiate Institute in Toronto and became a Registered Nurse following graduation from the Toronto East General Hospital Nursing School. She subsequently earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Toronto.
She is survived by her former husband, Ross Bagshaw, who she married in 1972. They had two children, Cindy and Sean (Jodi) who they were proud of and loved wholeheartedly. Jean adored her grandchildren: Benjamin, Madeline, Andrew, and India. She thought each one of them was talented, strong, smart, good looking, and thoughtful in their own way, which (of course) they are. Jean is also survived by her mother, Lillian.
She worked as a registered nurse at Toronto East General Hospital and, after moving to Huntsville in 1977, at the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital, from where she retired. She was resolutely passionate about the nursing profession.
Jean was an avid reader. On family holidays, her children tried their best to circumvent any stops at a bookstore, or the whole day would disappear! After a night shift, Jean used to fall asleep at the kitchen table reading the newspaper. She loved music. She was happy to volunteer at the Algonquin Theatre and delighted to attend as a member of the audience. If she went out for dinner beforehand, she told the server in a British accent (for no known reason) that she was going to the “theat-re”. She thought every performer was incredibly talented.
In elementary school, Jean loved playing the cello. As an adult, she took up the trumpet. She dabbled in lots of other activities over the years, too. She enjoyed downhill skiing and creative writing… Jean watched figure skating, heartwarming stories, or intense medical dramas on TV and could recount a show in greater detail than the original. Jean loved a coffee/tea and a nice visit.
She was preceded in death by her father (Art) and her beloved son (Sean).
Funeral services will be at 11:30 am on January 18, 2025, at All Saints’ Anglican Church, 30 High Street in Huntsville, with the Venerable Kelly Baetz officiating. Afterward, family and friends are invited to get together at the Royal Canadian Legion, 21 Veterans Way, Huntsville.
Interment will happen at a later date at the All Saints’ Anglican Cemetery, Huntsville.
Memorials or donations may be made to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation.
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Thank you for sharing a glimpse of Jean’s awesome interests and passions, outside of nursing. There are so many of us who had the pleasure of working with Jean at HDMH. She worked hard and tirelessly. Made me smile to read about all the other things. Rest easy, Jean. Sending much love to all who grieve and will miss her! xo