Jean Culkin

October 9, 1928 – December 16, 2020

With sadness and love, on December 16, 2020 we said goodbye to Jean Culkin, in Durham, ON.  She died quietly, with her daughter beside her, and the warmth of family all around her.  Jean was born in New Liskeard, ON, the daughter of Alex and Sarah (nee McIntosh) Cuthbertson and sister to Betty, and lived in Montreal, Vancouver, Penticton, Calgary, and, for the greater part of her life, in Edmonton, Alberta.  Jean was a devoted mother to James Culkin, who predeceased her, and Kimm Culkin (Bob Bainborough); and a wonderful gran to Sarah and Anna Culkin, and Jaimie, Malcolm and Tess Bainborough.  Niece, nephews, cousins and friends were a beloved and valued part of her life.  Jean trained as a nurse at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, PQ and married Richard James Culkin in 1953.  She returned to nursing in Calgary in the late 1960s, then worked in Red Deer and then Edmonton for the rest of her career, first as an RN, then as an instructor.  She was a member of the Royal Alex’s IV team for over a decade, and made lifelong friends in that position.  Jean spent a good deal of her retirement commuting between Alberta and Ontario to be with family, and moved to Ontario in 2013.  She was an avid reader, community volunteer and involved grandmother, introducing her grandchildren to reading, storytelling, daily walks, play-wrestling, singing and slushies.  A private memorial ceremony will be held in 2021.  Donations in Jean’s name can be made, with thanks, to the Alzheimer Society Grey-Bruce, a public library or a Canadian literacy organization.  Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services 519-371-8507.