Jean Tickner died peacefully in her sleep June 4, 2020 in Ottawa, two days following her 98th birthday. Jean was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1922. Her father, Herbert Wesley Toombs, was the United Church Minister in the small town of Central Butte Saskatchewan. He and Jean’s mother, Irene Gertrude Toombs (nee Smith), grew up in Prince Edward Island.
Jean graduated from High School in Saskatoon and subsequently took a business course. She moved to Edmonton during the War where she worked for the American Army Air Corps stationed there.
Always with a keen interest in vocal music, she obtained her LRSM degree from the Royal School of Music in London UK. In 1947, she moved to Toronto to attend the Royal Conservatory to further her studies in vocal music. Moving to Ottawa in the early 1950’s, she was a church soloist and recitalist. She was a member of the Capital Vocal Arts Trio with Jack Cooke and Bernice Oak.
She was greatly loved by daughter Kathryn (Bob), granddaughters Dayna (Neil) and Terran (Lucas). Providing endless joy were her great grandchildren Ethan and Autumn. She also leaves her brother Gordon in Winnipeg. 52 years of Jean’s life were spent in partnership with her soulmate and husband, Alfred William Tickner who passed away in 2000. She was predeceased by her son Christopher. Her Centretown United Church family, where she attended for almost 70 years, meant the world to her.
Jean left this message: “Many thanks to my family and friends who have made my journey through life spiritually challenging and enjoyable. We are connected to one another by love. Even in deepest grief, we are not alone.”
No flowers please – a donation to your favourite charity was her wish.