Obituary of Jeanne Beaumont MacKenzie

It is with sadness that the family of Jeanne Beaumont MacKenzie, wife of the late Reginald L. MacKenzie, announce her passing on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at Maple House, Loch Lomond Village, Saint John. Born January 23, 1925 in Sackville N.B., she was the daughter of the late Cecil Murray and Florence B. Murray (Adams).

Jeanne was raised and attended school in Sackville. After graduating high school she attended Raeburn College in Toronto, and then worked in Moncton at the office of an insurance adjusting firm. During a fateful bus trip back to Moncton after a weekend home in 1945, she encountered a charming army officer in training by the name of Reg MacKenzie. After the war ended and he completed his training as a C.P. A. they married in August of 1950.

The young couple moved around in their early years of marriage from Moncton to Toronto until they finally settled in Saint John.After the children came along Jeanne sought out a location that was best suited to raising a young family and so they moved to Kennebecasis Park in 1961, remaining there until 2003. It certainly proved to be a great choice and they made livelong friends and so many wonderful memories there.

Although she was very involved in lives and education of her children and in the activities within her neighbourhood, Jeanne also made time to engage in many charitable activities in the city. She was an active member of the Church of St. Andrew & St. David, serving on the board of stewards for many years and many other committees and panels. She had a special place in her heart for the struggles and challenges of young mothers and so was a founding force behind the establishment of the “Moms and Tots” programme and Head Start. She was also involved in the development of the Christmas Exchange and worked in and with a number of other charities. In 1999 she was recognized for her many years of service to her community, being awarded the Premier’s Award of Excellence. 

In her spare time, Jeanne loved hosting bridge parties and was a skilled player. She had a true gift of hospitality and was a talented cook and artful baker. Her family were always happy to be used as testers for new recipes. She could put together a function with confidence and ease whether it be for a few friends or a large gathering. The true secret to her gift of hospitality was her genuine interest in people. She was an excellent listener and loved to hear people’s stories.

Above all she was kind and forgiving, generous and grateful for all of the many blessings in her life.

Jeanne had a true talent for decorating and an appreciation for beauty. She could be as pleased with a small choir as a symphony or a bright field of dandelions as a painting by a great master. She and Reg travelled extensively throughout their marriage and she loved to study the beautiful architecture of ancient Europe. She kept lovely flower gardens in Kennebecasis Park and we will sorely miss her advice on how best to care for plants, beds and shrubs.

Jeanne is survived by her son (Robert) Neil MacKenzie (Tanya), Saint John, Carolyn Whitenect (Roger), grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, Jeanne was predeceased by her brother Danny Murray. 

The family is very grateful to the staff of Maple House, Loch Lomond village for their care of Jeanne during her final months. We would also like to thank Joan’s Home Support Care for their attention and kindness while she was at Chateau Champlain. As well we sincerely thank Margaret Thibodeau, Maple House resident, for being such a good friend and companion to Jeanne.

Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions there will be no visitation. A private family interment ceremony will be held. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.

For those who wish, donations in Jeanne’s memory may be made to the Family Resource Centre, Bee Me Kidz, the Church of St. Andrew & St. David or the charity of the donor’s choice. Online remembrances may be placed at:

www.BrenansFH.com