It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Jean Helen Stimpson, of Regina, formerly of Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan. Jean passed away unexpectedly on September 13, 2020 at the age of 94, at the Regina General Hospital, with family at her side.
Jean was born August 2, 1926 in Glaslyn, Saskatchewan to John and Katherine Kozakewich. Her mother passed away when Jean was only two years old and from that day on, she was raised by her father and older siblings. She often talked of having to grow up quickly and learn at an early age how to help with farm chores, growing a garden, keeping house and cooking for a large family and threshing crews in the fall. Growing up on the farm during the 1930’s was not easy. However, Jean and her siblings had a way of finding fun and good times. She talked of their farm house being the center of neighborhood gatherings, as the local boys had an attraction for all the Kozakewich girls.
After completing high school and secretarial school, she was hired by the Bank of Nova Scotia in Glaslyn. It was in Glaslyn that she met her future husband Lloyd Stimpson, son of the local CNR agent. In June of 1950 they were married and moved to Hudson Bay. They were blessed with four daughters that kept their lives very busy. Both Lloyd and Jean were very community minded. As a couple they loved to socialize, going to dances, playing cards, hosting parties and for several years spent lots of time snowmobiling with friends. Lloyd and Jean purchased a cabin at Ruby Lake in the late 1950’s, which provided much enjoyment for their family and friends over the years. Jean’s working career was spent first at the Bank of Nova Scotia, then at the Department of Agriculture office, the town office and finally at the Hudson Bay Hospital until her retirement at age 65. Jean will be remembered for her cooking skills, love of laughter and fun, generous and giving heart, and the time she spent with her grandchildren. Lots of her family and friends have been treated to her baking, home-made soups and knitted toques and afghans. Some of her favorite times were spent with her bridge club and at ladies curling bonspiels.
After Lloyd passed away in 2000, Jean remained in their family home in Hudson Bay until 2014, when she moved to Regina to be closer to her children. She continued to actively enjoy life, playing cards and games, socializing with new friends and looked forward to spending time at the cabin each summer. For the past two and a half years she enjoyed living at The Bentley, a retirement community in Regina. She will be greatly missed.
Jean is survived by daughters: Peggy (Marlon) Klassen, Regina, SK, Sandra Padar, Melville, SK, Janice (Brian) Ackerman, Regina, SK, Sharon (Gary) Szatkowski, Regina, SK; grandchildren Tyler Klassen (Candice Morato), Ryan Padar (Kristin Holloway), Jeffrey Klassen (Francesca Andreola), Reece (Trish) Padar, and their children Zach, Zane and Zander, Rachelle Klassen, Reed Ackerman, Sarah Szatkowski, Blake Ackerman, and Kaitlyn Szatkowski; sisters-in-law Ruth Kozakewich and Ann Kozakewich, and numerous nephews and nieces. Jean was predeceased by her husband Lloyd, son-in-law Ray Padar, seven brothers and sisters and their spouses, and seven in-laws and their spouses.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Level Four Care, Hudson Bay Hospital or a charity of your choice.