Obituary of Jean Hepinstall

HEPINSTALL: Jean Hepinstall (née Mackie) passed away at her residence, Fairview Home, on Monday, June 11, 2012 at the age of 97 years. Jean was born in Brandon on November 22, 1914, the eldest of three children born to David and Sarah Mackie. She was educated in Brandon and lived her adult life being very involved in First Presbyterian Church. Her passion was singing and she was an active member and soloist in the church choir, soloist for the Christian Science Church, and president of the Heather Club for five terms. It was through the Presbyterian Church that Jean met Albert Hepinstall and they were married in November 1958. They lived a quiet life in Brandon, with summer weekends spent at Sandy Lake. A "laker" Jean was not, but she was a wonderful cook, and although "Hep" did not have his wife by his side while he fished, he did eat well when got back to shore. Following Hep's passing in 1986, Jean continued to reside in Scotia Towers until 2002, when difficulty walking made it necessary to move to Fairview Home. Jean was predeceased by both parents in 1966, her brother David "Jock" Mackie in 2007 and Jock's daughter Wendy Pacholok, also in 2007. Jean is survived by her stepson, A.J. (Bert) Hepinstall (Evelyn) and their daughters Vicki and Nancy, and Nancy's son, Gabriel Long, all of Nanaimo, BC. Also surviving is Jean's younger brother, Donald Mackie, and his son, Guy (Beverly) and their daughters Jessica and Jolene, all of Kelowna, BC. Don's wife, Joan, passed away in 1994. Surviving members of Jock's family include his wife, Margaret, daughters Susan Tait (Bob) and their daughters Jill and Erin, Lynne Mackie and Wendy's husband, Richard Pacholok and children Jessica Harms (Kenton and Elysia,) Kate and Danny, all of Brandon. Lists of surviving relatives can be long, but when a move is made to a personal care home, a new family comes in to play… and so it was at Fairview Home 3rd floor. To Jennifer, Miriam, Florence, "doctor" Craig and D.J. (Jean's bingo buddy,) we say thank you to them, and to all the staff who helped Jean through these past ten years. And finally, we thank the young lady Jean looked for everyday, whether she was working or not…Meredith. The funeral service was held on Monday, June 18 at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, with the Rev. Dr. Dong-Ha Kim officiating. Interment was in the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Jean may be made to a charity of choice.