Salt – It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Helen Mary Jean Salt at the Brooks Health Centre on January 11, 2016. Jean was born to Stewart and Margaret (Peggy) Baillie Mitchell (Taylor) on November 22, 1930 in Hafford, Saskatchewan. Jean had an older brother Donald and has a younger sister Christina. Jean took the majority of her schooling in Hafford. During her senior years she attended school in North Battleford. In 1948 she attended Teacher’s College in Saskatoon graduating in 1949. Her first teaching position was a country school called Beechwood, in the Neilburg area. Jean went on to teach at King Edward School in Prince Albert for three years. She moved to Lloydminster in 1953 and taught at Winston Churchill School. It was in Lloydminster where she met her future husband, Lloyd Salt. They were married on July 15, 1954 and celebrated 43 years together until Lloyd’s passing in March 1998. Jean and Lloyd also lived in Wainwright, Camrose, and Calgary before settling in Brooks. Jean enjoyed teaching in Brooks for many years and obtained her Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge in 1986. Jean was remembered by so many students for her work in the Arts and Crafts program where she taught pottery, weaving, etching and many other creative projects. Jean always enjoyed visiting with her former students and appreciated their efforts to stay in touch with her. Jean and Lloyd enjoyed travelling and visiting friends and family along the way. They especially enjoyed the many cruises around the Caribbean. They both enjoyed their garden and Jean would make jams and jellies from the fruits of their labor. Jean had many fond memories of the time she spent with the Brooks Community Theatre group. She was also participated in a dinner theatre project the United Church hosted. Jean was a faithful member of the Brooks United Church and enjoyed her involvement with different committees including being a presbytery representative. After Lloyd passed away, the house became too much and Jean purchased a condo which was more suited to her busy retirement lifestyle. She stayed in her condo until December 2005 when due to health issues she could no longer live on her own. Jean spent five years living at Extended Care at the Brooks Health Centre and then five years at Sunrise Gardens. Jean was known by all of the care staff for having a real sparky personality and they loved all the interesting conversations with her. It was often remarked that Jean never quit being a teacher, always able to assist in orienting new staff or helping a newcomer to Canada with pronunciation and grammar. Jean also acted as an advocate for residents during resident management meetings. Although Jean struggled with health problems for the last number of years, she made that time of her life meaningful through involvement with friends, family, fellow residents and care staff. The care given to Jean for the past ten years is greatly appreciated by her friends and family. The staff at Sunrise Gardens and Extended Care were always very special to Jean. Jean was predeceased by her husband Lloyd, her parents, brother Donald, brother-in-law Enoch, sister’s-in-law, May, Janet, Marj and niece Patricia. Jean is survived by her sister Christina (Ernie) Meiklejohn, nephews and nieces on the Salt side, Harry, Josie, Melita, and Daisy, and on the Mitchell side, Donald, Ronald, Heather, Peggy, Scott and many great nephews and nieces. Jean is also survived by special friends, Loren, Susan, Alex, Gillian, and Meghan where Jean was a huge part of their family for the last 18 years. Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 16 at 1:00 PM from the Brooks United Church. Rev. George Edmonds officiating. Interment followed Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Jean, if friends and family desire, donations may be made to Special People Enjoying Children (SPEC) which has been a longtime favorite charity of Jean’s and would be greatly appreciated, #101 – 327 3rd Street West, Brooks, Alberta T1R 0E7. Funeral arrangements entrusted to SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM, BROOKS, ALBERTA. Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
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