Margaret "Jean" Gallant (née MacIntosh)

On March 28, 2023, Jean Gallant, beloved wife of 66 years of Gordon Gallant. Proud mother of Wendy (Randy Burnie), Steven (Janet Anderson), Sharon (Gary Fox) and Carolyn (Carl Bird). Much loved Grandma of 8 grandchildren (Monica, Brett, Jeff, Craig, Keitha, Tessa, Spencer and Mitchell) and Grammy to 5 great-grandchildren (Neveah, Grady, Paul, Charlie and Hugh) with one more on the way. Only daughter of the late Dorothy Atherton and the late Kenneth MacIntosh.

Born in St. Stephen, NB premature and weighing only 3 lbs she was not expected to leave the hospital. Dad and the rest of us are grateful that she did. Mum moved to Montreal at 8 years old. It was there that her 77 year long friendship started with June Marwood at Rosewood Elementary School. The two loved reading and started trading books. This tradition continued until the last few years. It was at the St Hubert Air Force Base that Mum and Dad met. The start of a true love story. After marrying in 1956 Mum and Dad travelled with the military to Truro NS, Gagetown NB, Hemer Germany, Winnipeg MB and finally to Ottawa where they made their final home, expanding their family along the way. With Dad away on scheme every summer for 6 weeks it was Mum who kept everything humming.

Mum loved travelling. Whether with her friends Joyce and Bob Bird to Barbados, to Korea on a re-visit tour for Korean War Veterans, Thailand, the British Isles or on a cruise for their 50th anniversary Mum was always up for an adventure. When at home she loved gardening and reading. She was the central drop off point for the.family book exchange, keeping the books in rotation. She passed on her love of gardening to all three of her daughters. Before being affected by carpal tunnel and arthritis Mum loved to knit and needlepoint. Great grandbaby Paul came home from the hospital in the same bunting bag that Mum had knit years before for Monica.  Her family was her biggest source of pride. She adored babies and little ones and her eyes lit up whenever any of the grandkids or great grandkids were around. 

The family would like to thank Shelley Flynn for her exceptional care and kindness during Jean's recent illness. She and Mum shared many special moments during the short time they spent together. 

Friends and family are invited to pay respects at the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. on Thursday April 6th after 12 noon. Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. followed by interment and reception. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Queensway Carleton Hospital, the Perley Foundation or a charity of your choice.