Obituary of Jean Van Tassel

VAN TASSELL, Geraldine “Jean” – Age 87, of Dartmouth, listened to “Darling” by Johnny Reid as she passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family, on June 11^th, 2024, at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax. Born on October 1^st, 1936, in Digby, she was a daughter of the late Gerald and Lillian (Morrison) Van Tassell.

Jean came from a large family and was the first girl after four boys, naturally a Daddy’s Girl from the start. This contributed to her lifelong feisty and strong independent nature. Growing up, she enjoyed skating, dancing, and playing piano for her grandmother. Being the first girl, she had to have her brother/chaperone, Sonny, by her side. When she got her first job, the pair worked together and were quick to become best friends. When she held a boy’s hand, brothers, Lovett and Babe told on her, making sure that their Mom and Dad knew.

Jean had a love of dancing, music and singing, and nothing brought her more joy than to go out to the dances, especially when her son, Mike, performed. Jean was talented at knitting, crocheting, making clothes to perfection. Jean always had an interest in cars, that endured many decades throughout her lifetime. She had a few jobs through her life, but her favorite job was being the telephone operator in Digby, where she was proud to have directed a call from Charlie Pride. After 20 years she retired from DND Sonar Shop, allowing her to spend more time with her family.

Jean’s greatest accomplishment in life was her three children. All her three children gave her a run for her money but unconditional love + stubbornness = Our Mom. Although at times it wasn’t always easy, she never gave up.

When Jean’s grandson, Justin, was born, he was quick to become the apple of her eye, he brought a spark back, a reason and a different kind of love. Justin and Jessica gave her a final gift of a great grandson, Nathan. He called her GG and she could never stop staring at him. The love she shared was priceless.

Jean is survived by her children, Michael (Jean) Dartmouth, Peter, Dartmouth, Susan, Shubenacadie; grandchildren, Justin (Jessica) Lawrencetown; great grandchild, Nathan Lawrencetown; siblings, Carol (Phil), Sheila (Don), Bing; many nieces and nephews; forever friends, Ann Marie, Claudette, Dee and Sadie.

Besides her parents she was predeceased by siblings, Joker, Lovett, Babe, Sonny, Warren, Dian, Sharon; close friends, Dottie and Sharon.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Ettinger Funeral Homes, Shubenacadie and Elmsdale. By Jean’s request there will be no funeral service.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to those involved in the MAID program, for allowing our Mom to pass away in grace and peace.

Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Jean may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com