Jean Bennett (Babcock/Young) passed away peacefully at Sault Area Hospital (General Hospital Site) on February 26, 2003, in her 76th year. Predeceased by her husband, W.G.H. (Herb) Bennett, Q.C., and survived by daughters Catherine (Bruce) of Bruce Mines and Elizabeth (Bruce) of Vancouver, and grandsons Mark and Max. Survived also by brother, George Babcock, and family of Fort Erie. Born and raised on Bruce Hill, Jean graduated from Sault Collegiate. She contributed to the war effort by joining the Farm Services in southern Ontario. As a Bell Telephone employee, Jean instructed Saultites in the operation of the technologically innovative rotary dial telephone. After her marriage, she was active in Maycourt and community fundraisers like March of Dimes. Especially fond of animals, Jean shared her home over the years with an assortment of pets. Jean, who was also fond of things Irish, made two pilgrimages, in her later years, to Ireland where she was "adopted" by Tony and Trish Cronin of Bunratty. Jean's unflagging humour, dignity, and generosity of spirit helped sustain her during her last year spent in hospital. Her family would like to thank Susie and Marty Hall for their unfailing friendship, Dr. Mogharrabi and the special breed of nurses on 100Y for their care, compassion, and infinite patience. Memorial contributions to Heart and Stroke Foundation, Cancer Society, or the Humane Society would be appreciated. In keeping with Jean's wishes, there was no funeral, but a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. (Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 759-2522.)
