Katherine “Jean” Firth (née Williams)

Surrounded by the love of her family and friends both near and far, Jean passed away peacefully on Mother’s Day at St. Joseph’s Hospice, London, in her 97th year. Much loved mother of Janeen (John) Mann, Thunder Bay and Stephen (Susan Sheppard), Oakville. Proud Grama of 8 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 1.5 great-great-grandchildren.

Although born in London, Jean was a Port Burwell girl at heart. After graduating from Port Burwell High School, she moved back to London and met her beloved late husband Don “Mort” (June 2019) on a blind date. Don and Jeano (his pet name) enjoyed 70 years of happy marriage playing euchre with their many friends, betting at the horse races and dancing to Big Band hits.

Known as a hard worker, she started her work career at the age of 12 in the Tillsonburg tobacco fields and ended at London Life as one of their first programmers. She shared many stories about these new-fangled things called computers.

A skilled sewer and quilter, she shared many friendships at the London Friendship Quilters Guild and the Thames Valley Quilters Guild. Family, friends and several community organizations are blessed to own one of her many beautiful handmade quilts. Known far and wide for her lemon meringue pies, Don always declared each pie as the “best one ever.” Fondly known as the yard sale Queen, she spent many Saturdays looking for treasures to share with her “lucky” family. Many happy times were spent with her grandchildren searching for water glass on the shores of Lake Huron at their Norman Heights cottage.

Sincere thanks to Ted and Sheila Hunter for their caring support over the past few years. Thanks also to the wonderful staff and volunteers at St. Joseph Hospice for their loving, respectful and professional care.

At Jean’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to honour the life of this amazing woman.  A woman of quiet strength and fierce independence, she was a true inspiration. Feisty until the end!

Jean was an avid reader and passed along her love of books and libraries to her children. In lieu of flowers, please buy a book for a child or consider a donation to your local public library.

“Gonna take a Sentimental Journey, Gonna take a journey home.”