St. Peter's Anglican Church
240 College St., Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Peacefully on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg, in her 95th year. Beloved daughter of the late J. Gordon and Frances Elizabeth (nee Day) Orr. Loving sister of the late Creighton Lawrence Mitchell Orr. She will be missed by Nephew Lawrence (Larry) Roberts, Nieces Nancy Gallagher (Gregory), Pamela Kempt of Peterborough, also devoted cousins Jim & Barb Dalgleish and great-nieces & nephews including James, Sean and Amy, Andrew, Scott and Heather and many great-great nieces and nephews. Lifelong friends Sue Weavers (Bob) and Jeannene Webb, Trefoil Guild members including Lynn Rogalski and many neighbours and friends.
Jean was an active member of her church choir for over 60 years, sharing her beautiful soprano voice with St. George’s Anglican Church choir North York and later with St. Peter’s Anglican Church choir in Cobourg. Jean also sang with the Ross Caldwell Singers, Toronto and was often asked to sing at church weddings around Willowdale area where she lived.
A most memorable time in her life was when Jean took her Girl Guide troop to present a life- size Canadian Girl Guide doll to the, then President’s daughter, Caroline Kennedy. That doll now resides in a museum of White House dolls. Jean remained a loyal registered Girl Guide Leader for many years, and in later years Joined the Trefoil Guild, a membership activity for women to keep in touch with the Girl Guide organization and each other. Through this organization Jean made friends and pen pals around the world.
Jean enjoyed travel and went to Europe twice, the first time, aboard the Cunard Ship Line Atlantic Crossing. After retirement from North York Hydro Jean traveled around locally in her trusted car dubbed “Mozart”. She lived her life as a determined single woman who loved her family and cherished her friendships. On the last days of her 94 years on earth Jean was surrounded by family and friends who wished her peace on her journey. Many thanks to Northumberland Hills Hospital Palliative care unit. You are all wonderful.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025 from 1 – 4 p.m. at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Cobourg, in the Hutton Room. In lieu of flowers please donate to Northumberland Hills Hospital or Girl Guides of Canada.
I was a neighbour of Jean’s. So sorry for your loss. My condolences. May Jean rest in peace.
Jean was an important figure in my early years. Being a chorister at St. Peter’s, she would often bring baked cookies for all the kids after practice. For a few years she hosted Christmas dinners at her apartment for my family and always had a full spread of food. She took on the task of teaching me how to sew, a skill I still use to this day. We spent hours together in her apartment downtown Cobourg working on sewing projects, she would always make me the same snack; ginger ale, rice crackers and cheddar cheese. I’m very sad to hear of her passing but look back at my time with her as a happy one and grateful for the impact she had on many.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
I have known Jean since I was 3 years old. She was a most generous God-mother, who took her responsibilities seriously, even making sure, that when I had moved away, in my early twenties, that I went to church. Each time I called her, Jean would tell me that she prayed every night for my brothers and I. Every year, up until recently, I always received a birthday card, an Easter card, a Christmas card and numerous gifts. Jean took a genuine interest in what we were doing and loved hearing about all our activities. We'd often compare notes about what was happening on the Y and R. Her hearty laugh could be heard wherever she was, be it hosting her famous Christmas open house on the first Sunday of December, as a guest in our home for a Thanksgiving meal, or at a church meeting. Jean was a force to be reckoned with and said what she wanted, unapologetically. Everyone loved her and she will be missed tremendously.
Jean it has been many,many years since we did our years together with the Girl Guides in Willowdale and I did not know that you were in Cobourg and close by. I know you have had a wonderful full filling life and did much service to make many girls and others a better and more enjoyable life.
So sorry to hear about the passing of my God-mother, Jean. I remember her Christmas open houses. They were legendary! Her homemade shortbread was to die for and her apt. was always decorated to the nines for Christmas. It was a great launch to the Christmas season. Jean often carried the church choir. She had a wonderful singing voice and added so much to the service.
I am very sorry to hear about my God-mother Jean's passing. Some of my memories of her include: She used to live at 6000 Yonge St in Willowdale. She didn't drive a car until later in life, and even then, drove infrequently. I didn't think she needed a car as she could walk or take the bus to work at the North York Hydro building, back then on Yonge St. Her apartment closets were full of balls of wool for making afghans. Jean always had lots of Christmas decorations. And, of course, she sang in the choir at St. George's Church at the corner of Yonge St. and Churchill Ave.
Very sorry for the families loss. Jean sat with my father at Victoria Retirement Home. She told us about her singing career and her Girl Guide tours. Very nice lady. We will miss her smile. Sending prayers and strength.
So sorry for your loss, Aunt Jean was a woman who knew what she wanted,something we all aspire to. She will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. It was a privilege to know her.
I well remember singing alongside Jean. She was a lovely person. Condolences to her family.
Awww Sorry to read about Jean. She hung out with us a lot at Victoria Retirement …and we had daily chats - including her “friend” Arthur - as she would call him - arthritis” - she loved talking about the girl guide days .., Her hall was much different when she moved. Godspeed to Jean And hugs to her family (And I’m sorry she had to spend the last birthday at NHH) Jayne Psw
Nancy, Your Aunt Jean lived a grand life. All my best to you and yours. Cathy Fobert