Jean McKinley (never to be called by her first name, Edith!), passed away peacefully on April 1st surrounded by her children Rob (Tina) and Maia.
Jean was born in Montreal to parents Bill and Pat, and raised in Weston, Ontario, along with her younger sister, Sue. A bright student, she jumped forward in public school and entered Teacher’s College at the age of 16. Jean’s spiritual journey began in her teens attending a Pentecostal youth group and church on Sundays. At 18, she had a great experience in a bus trip through Europe. When back in London, Ontario, a then student minister caught her eye at Calvary United Church. A few years later, Jean married the love of her life, Robert David McKinley. Their beautiful marriage of eight years was cut short due to losing David to cancer at age 33. After David’s death in 1972, Jean went on to singlehandedly raise their 3 children, Mark (b. 1966-1996), Rob (b. 1967), and Maia (b. 1970) and to further her education at the University of Western Ontario.
Jean led a life of service, teaching elementary school, English as a second Language to newcomers, and eventually her career as a medical social worker which began at University Hospital in London.
In 1979, after a few trips out west, Jean moved her family via a memorable train trip to Victoria B.C. Jean’s Mom, Pat, her sister Sue, and nephews John and James soon followed out to Victoria. To Jean’s delight, even her childhood bestie, Cair Kornatz, eventually moved out to Vancouver Island.
Jean worked for many years as a medical social worker at the Victoria General Hospital, assisting grieving families, people with head injuries and educating medical staff during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. She also worked with dementia patients at Broadmead Lodge and volunteered offering mindfulness groups to grieving families through Victoria Hospice.
Jean became very involved in the Quaker Meeting House in Victoria. Richard Foster’s, ‘Celebration of Discipline’ was catalytic in Jean’s dedication to the Quaker movement. After years of participation with the Quakers, Jean began revisiting her Buddhist practice of which seeds were planted in the early 70’s. She studied Buddhism under Thich Naht Hanh in Plum Village, France and in Vermont, eventually becoming an ordained Buddhist. Her spiritual practice gave her deep comfort and understanding of the connectedness of all living beings with the natural world and the impermanence of the physical realm.
She was a proud feminist and a safe person for all. She rapidly made friends everywhere she went. Jean would sometimes invite those without family or unhoused neighbours to join family holiday dinners. Another great pleasure were the many international students she hosted in her home over 20 years, cherishing the friendships she made.
As a woman fully engaged with life, Jean’s passions were ever present. Her love of music gave her and her children great joy, often blasting operas or Mozart on a Sunday morning or in her car. She sang in choirs, played piano, cello, and took up the harp in her later years. She had a passion for sailing and participated in races around southern Vancouver Island. She also had a love of the French language and obtained a French language certificate from the University of Victoria in her early 50s.
Jean had both a beautiful and a challenging life having suffered tremendous early losses of her beloved husband, David, and her first born child, Mark.
She was a present and dedicated mother and an adoring grandmother to David, Isaiah, Amara (great grandchild Ronan), Evan and Sereine. She had many beautiful friendships that she cherished and deep, loving relationships with her extended family whose birthdays she never missed! She also considered herself a ‘dog person’ having many dogs throughout her life – with Tilo her Rhodesian Ridgeback holding a special place in her heart.
Jean was accepting and at peace with the palliative care process. While Jean’s body has passed, you can still find her in the sunlight, the trees, the ocean waves and in her beloved family and friends. “I am a continuation like the rain is the continuation of the cloud” (Thich Naht Hanh).
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Victoria Hospice:
https://victoriahospice.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-donate/donate/
Jean was an early mentor in my Social Work career and though our paths didn’t cross often over the years she left a lasting impression. The grace and humility with which she met such incredible challenge and loss in her life was a marvel to me. She inspired others that I was close to to join her on her Buddhist path and I have enjoyed learning about that part of her journey through observation as well.
Thank-you to her family for writing and sharing such a beautiful and well thought out tribute. Through this I know that Jean lives on through all of you…I see her, feel her and remember her lovely soul. Wishing you much love and peace at this very sad time. Susan
Jean was a long time friend. Thank you for writing such a wonderful and loving obituary.
What shocking news! I knew Jean was unwell but I had no idea she was at the end of her life. Thank you for reaching out.
Jean’s family was so very important to her as she loved each member with great devotion.
She contributed a great deal to this world and will be forever missed. It was a privilege to know her.
Sending love,
Myrna Tracy
Condolences to all who loved her and now grieve the loss of this beautiful soul. She was the template for a life well-lived. She will be missed.
Jean was such a loving, caring and wise friend.I always learnt from her even at the end,when she welcomed her passing- knowing all would be well.
I am deeply grateful for her friendship, Mary
Jean was such a bright and loving person. It was an honour to work with her and to have her as a friend