Obituary of Jean Elizabeth Soper

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Jean Soper, in her 107^th year, on September 26, 2024.  Predeceased in 2012 by her beloved husband of 66 years, James Herbert Soper and her brother, James Evans Morgan (2009).  She will be greatly missed by her children: Nancy (Richard Stoneman), Mary (David Gladwin), Daphne (Jim Boyce), and Ian (Nicole Ratté) and by her grandchildren, Kathryn and John Stoneman (Samantha), and her nieces and nephews. 

Jean was born in 1918 in Montreal, to Ella Victoria Evans and Arthur Llewellyn Morgan.  She earned a Bachelor of Library Science (’40) from McGill University and then worked in the Arboretum Library of the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa.  It was there that she met and later married Jim in 1946, then moved to Toronto.  She resumed her career as a librarian, working at the Canadian War Museum after the family moved to Ottawa in 1967.

Jean had many interests during her lifetime.  She enjoyed horseback riding and tennis in her youth.  Then cross-country skiing in the Gatineau Hills, figure skating on the canal, and camping across Canada during our family vacations.  She was an avid reader, loved to discuss politics, play bridge and scrabble.  Later in life she developed her artistic side by taking many classes in chalk, oil pastels, and pen and ink drawing.  She will be remembered for her gentle nature, good sense of humour and beautiful smile.

Sincere thanks to all the very caring staff on City Park Wing of Arbour Heights L.T.C. and at the Waterford Retirement residence in Kingston.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.  A private family memorial will be held next Spring at Cataraqui Cemetery in Kingston when our parents’ graveside Redbud tree will be in bloom.