Margaret "Jeanne" Mooney

Jeanne was born on 15^th August 1931 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to Minnie and David Jeffrey, and was the little sister of Walter. Jeanne's early life was spent playing on the streets of Alliance Avenue and helping out in her Mums fish and chip shop, a love of which she kept with her for the rest of her days. 

Through the war years Jeanne and her brother Walter often had to take shelter in Ligoneil Park on the outskirts of the city during German bombing raids.  She would speak of how they’d be in the pitch-black, watching parts of Belfast light up in the distance as the bombs exploded.

Following the war Jeanne made the decision to move to Canada, something she’d mentioned often growing up.  This was a tough decision for her as she was so close to her family, but Canada and the opportunities it provided were too much to ignore. Jeanne packed up and took the 3-week boat ride to new shores.  When she arrived in Toronto Jeanne got a job in the Eaton Department Store, this is where she met Sylvia and Alice who remained her lifelong friends sharing many adventures together. 

Jeanne met Johnny, they fell in love and returned to Belfast to get married in Woodvale Presbyterian Church on Jan. 3rd 1955.  After their wedding they returned home to Toronto, before moving up to cottage country and setting up home in Gravenhurst.  An avid animal and wildlife lover, this was the perfect place for Jeanne to watch the hummingbirds and deer in her garden, and had plenty of space for her beloved dogs.  Jeanne's love of flowers encouraged her to open a florist shop in Gravenhurst with her husband and father-in-law.  One of the main attractions was her pet monkey who accompanied her to work each day.

Jeanne was surrounded by a great group of friends and family who supported her greatly when her beloved Johnny died suddenly at a young age.

After Jeanne retired from the flower shop, she enjoyed her garden and travelling and visiting friends. Jeanne also took care of her father-in-law until his passing. Jeanne kept very active with Curves and swimming at the pool in Bracebridge.

Jeanne spent her final years in Champlain Manor Care home, where she was very happy and well looked after.  Patsy and Anne (Coon) have went out of their way to make sure she was comfortable and content, Jeanne often said that Patsy and Anne are the daughters she never had.  She will be missed by her dear friend Mary Petch whom she travelled home to Ireland with many times. They also spent a lot of time together shopping, watching TV and  just hanging out together.

Jeanne will also be fondly remembered by her family across the pond, Nephew David Jeffrey and great nieces and nephews, Angela,  Joanne, Andrew and Steven.

Special thank you to the staff at Champlain Manor for the exceptional care Jeanne received the last few months of her life.