REXTON, NB – Jean Girvan, 97, of Rexton passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Jean was the last surviving member of her immediate family, and she was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend. She was a woman of strong faith and was a longtime member of St. Andrew’s United Church, where she shared her time and talents as a Sunday School teacher, CGIT leader, teacher with Daily Vacation Bible School, and member of the UCW. Her commitment to her church and community reflected the caring and generous person she was.
She was a graduate of Richibucto Regional High School and went on to take hairdressing, be the quiet strength behind the family business and a mother. Along with her daughter, Linda, she was one of the founders of The Memory Tree, a project that brought joy and meaning to many. She was a woman who worked hard, loved deeply, and was always there behind the scenes supporting the people she cared about.
Family was at the heart of everything she did. She treasured time spent with her loved ones and enjoyed visits from family and friends. She found happiness in the simple things, watching and taking part in curling, politics, sewing, crocheting, knitting and crafts, Christmas decorating, and creating a warm and welcoming home. She also kept up with the times in fashion and technology. Some of her happiest moments were spent at the family cottage.
Jean was known for her homemade bread and baked beans, doing Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, and the traditions that made family gatherings special. She leaves behind countless wonderful memories and will be lovingly remembered for her kindness, dedication, creativity, acceptance, and the lasting impact she had on those fortunate enough to have known her.
Jean is survived by her daughters, Shelley (Lorne) Beers, Nancy (Lonnie) MacDonald and Toby (Ronnie) Campbell; her thirteen grandchildren, Troy, Todd, Brent, Heidi, Holli, Kurt, Adam, Dana, Jacob, Dylan, Dawson, Rankyn and Schyler; ninteen great-grandchildren, Hillary, Kassie, Whitney, Tye, Taylor, Chelsea, Sawyer, Noah, Talli, Spencer, Jaynie, Charlotte, Ben, Ezra, Ethan, Claire, Acre, Alaska, and Zayler; four step-great-grandchildren, Peter, Laura, Talia and Ariya; six great-great-grandchildren, Lochlan, Keswick, Sterling, Harding, Cliff and Miley; as well as her many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Along with her parents, Harry and Isabelle Keswick, Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband, Lloyd Girvan; her daughter, Linda Hannay and son-in-law Rodney Hannay; her sisters, Frances (Duddy) Keswick, Florence (Hazen) Henry, Mary (Vernon) MacLaren, Patricia Keswick and Olive Keswick; as well as her brothers, Harris (Edna) Keswick and Oral (Mae) Keswick.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Jean’s Team, Zufi, Sabby, Jennifer, Marbe, Valerie, Lotti and Nicole, along with Dr. Pierre Leblanc, who cared for Jean with compassion and respect.
A special thank you goes out to her friends and neighbours who kept an eye on her, popped in for visits, shared stories and laughter, making her days brighter.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church in Rexton on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 11:00 AM. There will be a luncheon following the service, EVERYONE is welcome. For those who wish, donations in Jean’s memory can be made to the West Galloway Cemetery, or to St. Andrew’s Memory Tree.
Arrangements are in the professional care of Thompson's Funeral Home in Richibucto, NB (506-523-4252).