Jean deGruchy writer, lover of the outdoors, gardener, mother, sister, wife and daughter, died on January 24, 2017 at age 86 at Bethell Hospice in Inglewood. Jean, a long time Caledon resident, died of pancreatic cancer. Much to her annoyance, cancer thwarted her plan of dropping dead unexpectedly in her beloved garden.
Predeceased by her husband, Philip, Jean was mother to Charles, Jane and Sarah and grandmother to Aleck, Jonathan, Honoria and John Carson. An accomplished freelance writer, Jean started her career at Maclean Hunter Publishing and was an Assistant Editor at Canadian Homes and Gardens and Brides Book and her love of the written word spanned a lifetime and a multitude of articles. Always curious, recently Jean embraced texting and if you were fortunate enough to receive one of her missives, you know she had a great sense of humour and an unexpectedly penetrating viewpoint. Always entrepreneurial and endlessly energetic, Jean established a successful herb and everlasting flower farm gate business in retirement. She was also a frequent gardening expert on Canadian television and at Canada Blooms.
Dignified, ladylike and never a lover of fuss, according to Jean’s wishes, there will not be a funeral. The family would like to thank the many generous people who provided help, advice and guidance throughout Jean’s final journey. From the remarkably human and caring team of health care and palliative support providers to the many people who offered kindness along the way, we sincerely thank all of you. If you would like to remember Jean, buy a plant for your garden, or enjoy her drink of choice: A Starbucks chai latte, with no foam, no water, extra hot and an extra pump of chai. Maybe order an oat bar as well.
Donations may also be made in Jean’s memory to the Bethell Hospice Foundation at bethellhospice.org.
Jean believed there were very few things in life you could control, but your attitude was one of them. She lived a life full of cheer and embraced the positive and had a rich existence as a result.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Lorna Lee
Ed and I are so sorry for your loss. We will miss your mom’s visits with the pets. She was a wonderful lady and will be greatly missed.
Fay and Bill McCrea
Dear Sarah and family:
So saddened to hear of the passing of your wonderful Mom. She was a beautiful lady inside and out and I just loved to visit your home and see all the flowers and herbs drying in the barn.. I always said hello to her when I drove past Graymalkin Farm. Such a beautiful spot. So sad to learn she was not granted her final wish but she will have lots of flowers to look after in her heavenly home.
Your Dad was on my CofA and LD committee years ago and he was also a wonderful man. Now they are reunited.
When I retired from the Town, I received a beautiful dried flower arrangement from my committee members which I cherished for many years. t
Sincerest condolences
Cam Lindsey
So sorry to hear of the passing of Jean. She was a true proper lady. Jean loved her family and her farm. She was so proud of her children. We had many lovely visits. My condolences to all of her family.I think of her every time that I see or smell lavender.
Jean Proctor
Sorry for the loss of Jean, your Mom! She was a kind and wonderful woman who welcomed people to her home and garden. I remember Jean & Philip with connection to the Caledon East Historical Society. She was a person that I thought would live “Forever” and certainly she will live in our hearts forever!
Valerie Gooderham
We had the pleasure of getting to know Jean and Philip many years ago through Charles. Jean was always thoughtful and gracious and I always enjoyed our visits . A lovely and welcoming couple. A great loss.
Please accept our deepest condolences along with the awareness that she touched all who came into contact with her.
Valerie and Stephen Gooderham
Bill Parnaby & Family
So sorry for your loss Sarah! Many years as neighbours… I remember seeing the pleasure you and mom took in the gardens on Matson and the farm! God Bless and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Janita Byars
I extend my sincere sympathy to Jean’s entire family – from New Jersey to Ontario.
Rose Wakefield
Dear Sarah,
I am so very sorry for your loss, but as you know, your Mom is now at peace and free of pain.
You are in my thoughts and prayers, keep in touch and let me know how you are doing.
Love Rose
Dave, Liz & Heather
Sarah; your mom was such a youthful and energetic lady who always welcomed us with the most beautiful smile. She always made us feel like part of her family during our visits. Our hearts ache for the loss of your mom.
Donna Wilson
Dear Charles, I was so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I now know where your green thumb came from! My condolences to you and your family.
Donna
Sophie and Robert O'Reilly
Dear Charles, Jane, and Sarah,
Your mother was such a fine lady and it was a privilege to have known her. Her charm, wit, and intelligence were constantly visible in her twinkling eyes. We always enjoyed our visits to Graymalkin Farm. Some very fine lunches and dinners were to be had there. The conversation was always lively and on a wide variety of subjects. Her refined touch was evident in the lovely table she set, the beautiful home she decorated, the incredible herb garden she nurtured, and the artistic endeavours that she so brilliantly crafted. Such a great loss. Our hearts go out to all of you.
Jim Bland
To: deGruchy Family
Sorry to learn of Jean’s passing. She was a nice, quiet lady who loved the gardens and I always liked to chat with her. I liked the unexpected viewpoints.
Jim Bland
(Davis Feed)
Angie Colella
Sarah my condolences to you and your family. Your mom was a beautiful person inside and out. Remember to keep an eye out for butterflies and red cardinals because that will be your mom visiting you. Sending you love strength and hugs during this difficult time .
Fred
Sarah, sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful soul. On behalf of the Barnes family are thoughts and prayers are with you.
James Dale
Hi Sarah, I wanted to reach out to let you know that I saw your mother’s obit in the paper after receiving a note from Tom Sparling. He sends his regards and sympathy. I just wanted to mention what a special lady your mother was. I remember visits to Graymalkin and how proud she was of her gardens. Hope you are doing ok and I wish you my heart felt condolences.
Bob & Linda Duncan
Charles & Barbara
We were sorry to get word of your mom’s passing. She was fortunate to have been able to reach the age of 86 and still be able to live life to the fullest except for her illness. We read her obituary online and learned many things about her and are sorry that we never got to meet her. You resemble her.
We extend our condolences to you and your family and our prayers are with you at this sad time.
Penny Ridler and Mary Charron
I wish you to know we are very sorry for your loss. Jean was a great friend and patron of Caledon Public Library and we always enjoyed her visits. We are thinking of you at this time.
Mary and Penny
Ward Hargreaves
In my 40 years of managing bank branches, I would struggle to remember a set of customers I was more fond of than Phil and Jean deGruchy. At the time of our introduction, Phil was in charge of the Sears warehouse on Albion Rd. What a guy! Friendly, straightforward and cordial…Jean was the understated version of Phil; same friendliness, always smiling, but in a less tightly wound package. To me, they made a perfect twosome.I loved seeing either of them walk through the doors. Or run into them out shopping…same people all the time. Mrs. deGruchy was unfailingly polite and gentle and I always enjoyed talking to her. My only solace in learning of her passing is to imagine these two lovely people re-united once more.
Carol Martin, Inglewood
Dear Sarah and family – I was very sorry to read of the passing of your mother. The beauty created by your family was admired by all who were able to find tranquility in the garden.
Margaret & John Roth
Dear Sarah,
John and I and our daughter Claire were very saddened to read about your mom’s passing. We had just travelled past the Farm the other day and always think of you both as we go by. It is such a serene and beautiful place. Even though your mother didn’t get her wish, I have to believe that she and Philip are together again and will always be with you in spirit, especially in the garden. It was their shared passion. Jean was a beautiful person and was always so warm and welcoming to all she met. We were privileged to know her, and you, and hope at this very sad time you and your family are comforted by the caring of others. Our condolence and sympathy, Marg Roth
Lynda Parnaby
Dear Sarah and Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your sweet Mom. Memories of both Mom and Dad in the gardens on Matson Drive.
Sorrow is not forever,
Love is.
Hap and Lynda Parnaby
Linda Banks
Dear Sarah and Family
I just want to offer my condolences on the loss of your Mother.
Sincerely, Linda Banks
Charles and Barbara de Gruchy
Its hard keeping family connections over the distance between Toronto and New York. What have lost is Mummy’s spiritual bridge over that distance. With her death we have lost a connection with not only a person but a world she imagined and created into a reality at Graymalken Farm. A world that influenced every part of our lives. It continues to be so hard to believe she is gone. I hope she is with my father Philip and I regret that our twins won’t ever know the person that was my mother, Jean Elizabeth de Gruchy.
Bye, bye Mummy. All our hugs go with you!
Charles, Barbara, Honoria and John Carson
Chuck Scott
Jean, Phil and Sarah were a big part of my life in the late 90’s. Travelling to Graymalkin Farm was always a pleasure because we knew a day spent there would give us great television and great fun. Love to you all at this sad time. Life is about the journey the times shared, the laughs shared and the love shared all were on display in Jean and her family.
Chuck Scott
david fenster
Jane and Sarah
Please please contact me
My most deepest condolences
So enjoyed your Mom and Dad at all the Christmas parties
and Your grandparents
Best Always
David
dfenster@royallepage.ca
647 217 2608
david fenster
Again, my most deepest condolences